Realizing Maternal and Child Health Through Curbing the Barriers for Accessing Basic Education: Human Rights-based Options for Africa

Abstract

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights States that the right to health is closely related to, and dependent upon, the realization of other human rights, including the right to education, food, and shelter which are important determinants of health African countries have subscribed to at least one of the treaties that guarantee women’s and children’s right to health . They have equally pledged to global social contracts that underline a global development agenda of reducing maternal and child mortality. In this way, they demonstrate their commitment to fulfill maternal and children’s health rights. Yet, factors such as non-expansion of primary education and gaps in accountability continue to elude the realization of these rights. Focussing on education impacts on health , this chapter argues, if aspirations for the desired Africa by 2063—the Africa we want—to be achieved and thereby improve health outcomes, barriers which limit girls’ access to primary education must be eliminated in the young continent. Making recommendations to build a multifaceted human rights approach to basic education, this chapter emphasizes the critical need for both African States and stakeholders to act to address these challenges.