A study by Action Aid International has found that austerity measures being implemented by some African countries owing to dwindling donor support have led to a decline in the provision of essential public services, mainly in the health and education sectors.
The Survey titled: ‘The Human Costs of Public Sector Cuts in Africa’, conducted in six African countries, namely, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Malawi, has found a decline in the quality and availability of health and education services due to the challenge.
The study highlights how quality education is being compromised by inadequate teachers, learning materials, as well as substandard infrastructure, the same challenges also being experienced in the education sector, according to the report.
Action Aid Malawi, Executive Director, Yandura Chipeta has retaliated that the situation is expected to worsen in the country due to a recent decision by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to suspend its 175 United States Dollars four-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF).
The report is therefore calling for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stop imposing austerity measures on African Governments and instead focus on the implementation of progressive tax reforms and debt relief for greater investment in public services as a solution.
