Brazzaville, 17 June 2013 -- A group of public health experts from the WHO African Region have begun a five-day meeting in Brazzaville, Congo to discuss a range of issues that affect people’s health in the region. The group who are members of the WHO Programme Subcommittee will review the major agenda items and resolutions to be discussed by Health Ministers during the forthcoming Regional Committee from 2- 5 September in Brazzaville, Congo.

The Regional Committee is the annual meeting of Ministers of health at which they discuss health in the Region and take major policy and strategic decisions on improving it. Professor Robinson Mbu of Cameroon was nominated as Chairperson.

In his opening address, Dr Luis Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa observed that the meeting was taking place at a time of change. He cited epidemiological, demographic trends as well as new political, socio-economic and environmental realities which have direct implications for the changing global health agenda. With regards to WHO reforms, the Regional Director noted that the Organization is strengthening its governance role as well as reforming its management policies, systems and practices in pursuit of organizational excellence to meet the needs of stakeholders.

He pointed out that the new global health priorities outlined in the 12th General Programme of Work (GPW) of WHO provide overall direction for global health for the next six years. The priorities are: accelerating the achievement of the current health‐related Goals up to and beyond 2015; advancing universal health coverage; addressing the challenge of noncommunicable diseases and mental health; implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations; increasing access to essential, high‐quality and affordable medical products and addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. 

“All these key priorities defined within the 12th General Programme of Work are very relevant to the African context and if we are able to attain them, we will be able to advance the African health agenda,” he said.

Referring to the health development agenda beyond 2015, the Regional Director pointed out that countries have made slow progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). With two years to the 2015 deadline, the African Region will need to address both the current and future health needs.

In his introductory remarks, Professor Robinson Mbu the Chairperson of the Programme Subcommittee expressed gratitude for his nomination adding that: “We hope to put in the best of ourselves so that we can be proud of what we have done”.

Among the issues to be discussed by the PSC are:

• Healthy ageing in African Region - situation analysis and way forward
• Addressing the challenges of women's health in Africa
• Enhancing the role of traditional medicine in health systems
• Strengthening the capacity for regulation of medical products
• Utilizing eHealth solutions to improve national health systems
• A strategy on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2014-2020

The four-day meeting will also discuss the implementation of the WHO Programme Budget for 2014-2015 in the Region.

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For more information, please contact:

Dr Marion Motari + 4724139910   Email: motarim [at] afro.who.int
Collins Boakye-Agyemang + 4724139420   E-mail: Boakyec [at] afro.who.int