Brazzaville, 31 January 2005 -- Outgoing WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Ebrahim Samba, handed over to his successor, Dr Luis Sambo at the weekend, and proceeded to his native Gambia on retirement.

In a tribute to Dr Samba, Dr Sambo said, "I would like to recognize and thank you immensely for the work you have done in the WHO Regional Office and for the African Region as you pushed the frontiers of health for all Africans everywhere. You are leaving behind many tangible and measurable achievements."

The new Regional Director praised his predecessor for his vision, courage, openness and pragmatism as well as his strong commitment to the eradication or elimination of such public health threats as river blindness, polio and female genital mutilation.

Responding, Dr Samba thanked WHO for affording him the opportunity to serve his fellow Africans in various capacities for more than two decades, and pledged to continue to support the Organization in his new phase of life.

"Indeed, I am hereby offering to provide, during my retirement, free, non-remunerative service through WHO to help promote public health in Africa", said Dr Samba who was designated Regional Director Emeritus by the 54th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa.

Dr Samba had served two terms of five years each as Regional Director, but his public health career nationally, regionally and internationally spanned more than 40 years.

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