The WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Luis Gomes Sambo started a 4-day official working visit to Uganda at the invitation of the government. He was received at Entebbe International Airport by the Minister of Health Dr Stephen Mallinga, the WHO Country Representative Dr Melville George and other senior government officials.

In remarks to the press at the airport, Dr Sambo said he was honoured and privileged to be in Uganda and that that he was in Uganda to explore more way of collaboration between WHO and the government of Uganda. “I am proud of our actions and achievements in Uganda and I want to see what more we can do” he said.

Dr Sambo noted that Uganda response to epidemics of Ebola, Marburg and Meningitis and other health issues like Reproductive and Child health was commendable. “Uganda can make significant achievements towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS) and I want to see more achievements in all aspects” he said.

The Minister of health Dr Stephen Mallinga informed the press that the Regional Director was here to see how Uganda has copped with disease control especially in the recent past. “ We have had several outbreaks and WHO has always been instrumental and come in timely to our rescue, adding that “it is only fitting that the Regional Director comes to see his contributions.”

During his visit Dr Sambo will observe and discuss with Government of Uganda (GoU) and partners the health situation in the country, within the context of WHO collaboration. He will also explore the context and impact of emergencies and humanitarian crises in Uganda and the work of WHO in response.

In the field, Dr Sambo will get a detailed explanation of the field implementation of integrated community interventions as part of Primary Health Care (PHC). This is particularly in reference to the Village Health Team concept that was adopted by the Ministry of Health.

Finally Dr Sambo will visit some Centers of Excellence/WHO Collaborating Centers on HIV/AIDS care, research and capacity building like the Uganda Virus Institute (UVRI).

Ends

For more information please contact

Benjamin Sensasi, Health

Information and Promotion Officer, WHO Country Office

Tel: 256-41-334400

Email: Sensasib [at] ug.afro.who.int