31 May to 03 June 2011 -- Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa, concluded an important 2-day official visit to the headquarters of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington. Throughout the visit, information was shared on public health matters of regional concern and identification of areas of shared priorities and further collaborative actions in an attempt to coordinate improved support to countries in the African Region.

The Regional Director expressed his appreciation for the values and principles guiding the Foundation’s global health programme that addresses in particular the health and social needs of the poor and vulnerable populations. Discussions focused on the poliomyelitis eradication, improved delivery of vaccines and immunization coverage at sub-national level, family & reproductive health, strengthening medicine regulatory capacities, and communicable diseases prevention and control. The outcomes of discussions emanated from the complementary roles and mandates of the two organizations in the areas of financing of research and discovery of new technologies and its access and application in health care provision at an affordable cost.

During the meeting with Mr Bill Gates, Dr Sambo acknowledged the Foundation’s contributions to Global Health particularly in the area of immunization and polio eradication in the African Region. Mr Gates pledged his continual commitment to polio eradication and advocacy for reducing the cost of vaccines.

In addition to visiting the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Regional Director visited and had working sessions with the World Bank, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Topics covered ranged from addressing the current WHO budget shortfall to accelerated efforts towards the attainment of MDGs 4, 5 and 6 in the African Region.