Brazzaville 20 July, 2016 - His Excellency Mr. Assane Ngueadoum, Chadian Minister of Health and Chairperson of the 65th session of the Regional Committee for Africa, made an official one-day visit to the WHO Regional Office for Africa accompanied by Her Excellency Kalzeube Neldikingar, Ambassador of Chad to Congo Brazzaville.

He was welcomed by Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa and both parties discussed issues related to the improvement of health outcomes in the Region.

M.  Ngueadoum’s visit to Brazzaville is part of his tour to a number of countries in the WHO African Region to advocate for increased political commitment for health in the African region. He has already conducted advocacy missions to Gabon and Burkina Faso. 

Specifically the focus of his visit was to urge national leaders to, among others, increase domestic resources allocated to health, advocate for improved capacity of countries to respond to outbreaks and emergencies, including timely contributions to the African Public Health Emergency Fund among others.

At the Regional Office, the Minister was given a demonstration of the operations of the Strategic Health Operations Centre and how it facilitates effective response to disease outbreaks and emergencies.

The Minister reiterated his willingness, as President of the 65th session of the Regional Committee for Africa, to plea with member states for effective implementation of the resolutions and decisions of the Regional Committee.