Mr Chairman,
Distinguished Members of the Executive Board,
The Director General,
Regional Directors,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured and privileged to take the floor before the Board on the occasion of my appointment as Regional Director for Africa.
I should like, first of all, to very sincerely thank the Member States of the African Region who put their trust in me by selecting me to perform the duties of Regional Director.
Let me seize this opportunity to pay tribute to the very important and exceptional role played by the Executive Board on which I sat 27 years ago. My participation in its work and some 15 years spent within WHO obviously helped to enrich my experience. I must also add that the foresight of Dr Ebrahim Malick Samba and the unflinching support I enjoyed during the period I served under him undoubtedly help to spur me on to my present mission.
I am deeply indebted to all of you for this.
Mr Chairman,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am aware of the scale and gravity of health problems in Africa. These are often linked to development issues, particularly to poverty. Here, the challenges are reflected chiefly in the high prevalence of communicable diseases, among them AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; they are also reflected in the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases; the very high rate of maternal mortality; and high infant mortality. All of this contributes to very low life expectancy in the African Region. HIV/AIDS infection is undoubtedly causing the greatest concern as a public health problem, given its impact in terms of morbidity and mortality, and its effect on the economic performance of Member States of the Region. The eradication of poliomyelitis, for its part, is a goal for which the Region is mobilizing all efforts, with the help of its partners.
Other challenges can be found in weak health systems, especially with regard to the availability and management of human, financial and technological resources.
Furthermore, the need for sustained policy dialogue and more enduring partnerships are challenges which we must meet if we are to strengthen institutional, human and community capacities. Only this will improve the performance of health systems and the health status of the people without which there can be no long-lasting development.
The dynamism already apparent at country level throughout the African Region augurs well for the inclusion of health in our development efforts. In this regard, the health component of NEPAD and the commitment of African States to the Millennium Development Goals are landmark opportunities for governments, WHO and partners more generally. It is important to recognize the efforts already being made and to underscore the need to pursue and consolidate them.
Mr Chairman,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Special emphasis will be placed on the promotion of technical and managerial excellence. In fact, results-based and evidence-based management and accountability will be emphasized.
Finally, allow me to express the wish to work under the orientation of the Director General, Dr Lee, to cooperate with all Member States and partners and to work with the other regional directors to implement the General Programme of Work of WHO for the "attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health".
I thank you.