Across the world, the Coronavirus has not only become another global disaster but has also put the spotlight on the level of competence of our political leaders.
In Africa, the case is not different as governments are putting in draconian measures to halt the spread just like their counterparts in Europe and Asia.
With the eminent role health ministers are playing in fighting this global pandemic, I delved into a special finding to uncover the female faces leading the battle and definitely deserve commendation for the works, they have put in so far; albeit sorrowful to know that, their works are faced with several challenges because of the under-resourced facilities they manage and how they will be risking their lives in the battle against the virus.
Beyond their competence, they have proven to stand tall in the delivery of their duties as their role in this pandemic goes beyond providing counsel to the presidents but an opportunity to manage the global crisis, as they provide all kinds of support to doctors, nurses, and other health workers in their countries; while also collaborating with their counterparts to make sure patients receive treatment and citizens are well informed about the situation in their countries.
In my research on 51 African countries, Africa has only 13 female ministers in charge of health across the continent. Out of the 13, 9 are medical doctors and the others were appointed based on their political leadership track records.
The countries that deserve applaud for such laudable appointments of women are Angola, Burkina Faso Congo Republic, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.
Prince Akpah, Managing Director of leading African PR & Rating Firm, Avance Media, presents the list of 12 Female Health Ministers in Africa leading countries to help fight the Covid-19 disease.
1. Amna Nurhusein, Minister of Health, Eritrea
She was appointed in 2009 as minister of health in Eritrea. She previously held positions such as Minister of Tourism and is a leading member of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice in Eritrea.
- Dr Fawziya Abikar, Minister of Health, Somalia
- Dr Hala Zayed, Minister of Health and Population, Egypt
- Dr. Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo, Minister of Health and Population, Congo Republic
- Dr. Léonie Claudine Sorgho/Lougue, Minister of Health, Burkina Faso
- Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin, Minister of Health, Ethiopia
- Lizzie NKOSI, Minister of Health, Eswatini
- Maria Inácia Có Sanhá, Minister of Public Health, Family and Social Cohesion, Guinea Bissau
- Dr. Nazira Abdula, Minister of Health, Mozambique
- Dr. Ruth Jane Aceng, Minister of Health, Uganda
- Dr Silvia Lutucuta, Minister of Health, Angola
- Ummy Ally Mwalimu, Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Seniors and Children, Tanzania
- Dr. Wilhemina Jallah, Minister of Health, Liberia