Sawt Falasteen - MSF accuses powerful nations of weakening S.Africa's G20 health text

South Africa chose "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability" as the theme for its presidency of the group of leading economies but has faced some resistance, including from the G20's wealthiest member, the United States.

There has been a "significant watering down of key elements" in the health ministers' draft declaration to be presented to the November 22-23 summit, newly elected MSF president Javid Abdelmoneim said.

Changes affect areas like global pandemic preparedness and the role of the World Health Organization, the Sudanese-Iranian doctor told reporters in Johannesburg.

MSF is a member of the health working group of the G20, which is made up of 19 nations and two regional organisations that account for more than 80 percent of world economic output.

"I have to say we are disappointed to note that a time of particular importance for G20 countries, for them to be uniting in support of global access for health for all, many of them instead focused on doing the opposite, pushing for less obligation, less coordination, and less support," Abdelmoneim said.

"It's a pity that in this case it's been weaponised by powerful countries to weaken a previously bold ministerial declaration that stood strong in the themes identified by the South African government," he said.

Abdelmoneim did not say which countries had blocked South Africa's recommendations.

Pretoria wants to use its presidency to champion Global South priorities, including boosting climate resilience and tackling debt in developing countries, before handing the baton to the United States next year.

The United States has labelled South Africa's G20 theme as "anti-American" and President Donald Trump, who has falsely accused South Africa of discrimination, said he will skip the summit.

L.AbuAli--SF-PST