Nairobi, 30 September 2010 -- There has been significant progress and positive development in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services. This was according to the latest progress report released in Nairobi on 28th September as part of the global launch of the report “Towards Universal Access”, also held in Geneva and Washington. The report by WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS was the fourth annual report for tracking progress made in achieving the 2010 target of providing universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care.

Tanzania, 29 September 2010 -- Hon. Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the United Republic of Tanzania, Prof. David Homeli Mwakyusa, officiated at the handing over of the WHO Director General’s World No Tobacco Day Award 2010 to Madam Kagaruki Lutgard, the Executive Director of Tanzania Tobacco Control Forum (TTCF) in Tanzania.

28 September 2010 -- Developing countries demonstrate that increased access to HIV/AIDS services is possible, according to the report Towards universal access, released today. Despite challenges there is steady progress in many areas for example, access to services to prevent mother-to-child transmission and treatment for HIV positive children.

The Ministry of Health with the support of WHO and World Bank conducted a three day consensus building workshop to finalize a five year strategic plan for Human Resources for Health (HRH) in Eritrea.

The workshop which continued from 15 to 17 September was officially opened by the Honourable Minister of Health, Ms Amina Nurhusien. In her remarks, the Minister emphasised that the HRH strategic plan which will be the outcome of this workshop should be in line with the National Policies in general and that of the Ministry of Health in particular. 

To adopt and finalize the five year action plan for strengthening the National Codex Committee in Eritrea Ministry of Agriculture with the WHO support conducted a workshop on September 8, 2010.

In this workshop about 40 participants from key government institutions as well as representatives from WHO and FAO serving on the committee gathered to review the draft plan and provide their inputs for its finalization. 

As part of its continued demonstration of commitment to strength-ening the country’s health systems and a successful Free Health Care Service delivery, the WHO on Wednesday 8th September handed over items worth $126,000 to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

The items that were donated included computers and accessories, brand new Toyota Hilux, motor bikes and their full gears. This is not the first time WHO is making such a good will gesture. 

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation with support from WHO hosted a one day advocacy meeting on Framework for Tobacco Control (FCTC) on 16 Sep. 2010. The meeting targeted parliamentarians, civil society, media, the National Revenue Authority. The purpose of the meeting was to sensitise participants on health risk associated with tobacco products and the need to control their production, processing and importation into the country. Presentations were made by experts from MOHS and WHO (WCO & IST/WA) on relevant topics.

Proceeding of the National consultative meeting on the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy for HIV/AIDS 2011-2015, Sierra Leone

The national consultative meeting was held at the WHO Country office conference room on September 1, 2010. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain the contributions of national stakeholders on the global health sector strategy for HIV/AIDS, 2011-2015. The approach followed the guidance provided by the regional office to organize the consultative process.

Abuja: August 30 2010: The Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu said yesterday that he was pleased that Nigeria was being consulted by WHO as part of the development of its Global Health Sector Strategy for HIV/AIDS 2011-2015. Represented by Dr Balami, National Coordinator of the HIV/AIDS division, Federal Ministry of Health, welcomed the opportunity to ensure that national priorities as outlined in the NSHDP and the National Strategic Framework would be taken in to consideration.

To provide Eritrea’s HIV/AIDS stakeholders inputs into the development of the Global Health Sector Strategy for HIV/AIDS 2011-2015, the WHO Country Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNAIDS conducted a consultation meeting on 7th September 2010.

About 40 participants, including Heads of UN agencies, representatives of embassies, government officials, national associations, federations and societies and Members of the UN HIV/AIDS Joint Team Group took part to this consultation.