an Eldis Resource
Experiences of parliamentary committees on health in promoting health equity in East and Southern Africa
An analysis of the role of parliamentary committees in improving health
Authors:
R. Loewenson; L. London; J. Thomas; Training and Research Support Centre (TARSC); University of Cape Town (UCT); Southern and East African Parliamentary Alliance of Committees on Health (SEAPACOH)
Publisher:
EQUINET: Network for Equity in Health in Southern Africa, 2009
Parliamentarians can play a key role in lobbying for health and social issues as part of the legislative process. This EQUINET discussion paper explores the contribution of parliamentary committees in promoting health in 10 countries in the African region.
The authors conducted a survey of parliamentarians attending the Regional Meeting of Parliamentary Committees on Health in Uganda from 16-18 September, 2008 in order to assess the role and function of parliamentary committees.
The survey highlights the following areas related to parliamentary work:
- budget processes
- the legislative process
- the representative roles
- the goals and resources required to undertake the activities of the working group.
The study also addresses the challenges facing parliamentary committees such as mechanisms for communication, lack of a clear focus, operational issues and the resources required for the overall execution of duties.
The authors of this paper recognise the contribution that is made by parliamentarians in ensuring positive health outcomes. They also note the challenges facing the operation and management of parliamentary committees. However, further work is needed in order to address the constraints faced by this legislative body.
