A recent ActionAid report reveals that public sector workers in the health and education sectors of six African countries—Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Nigeria—have experienced wage reductions of up to 50% over the past five years. This decline is attributed to austerity measures and budget cuts influenced by International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies, which prioritize debt repayment over public spending. Consequently, 97% of surveyed healthcare workers struggle to afford basic necessities like food and rent. Medications, such as vaccines, are also unavailable in public hospitals. In the education sector, teachers face overcrowded classrooms and 87% report lacking essential teaching materials, often purchasing them out of pocket, despite reduced wages. These conditions have led to a deterioration in public services, disproportionately affecting women and vulnerable communities, and prompting calls for policy reforms prioritizing social investment over austerity.
Aljazeera
