The Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing is expected to leave  on May 17 for Geneva, Switzerland to attend the Commonwealth health ministers meeting from May 19 to 28.

A press release from the ministry states that the meeting is a forum that brings together health ministers in the Commonwealth countries annually in preparation for the World Health Assembly.

The meeting, whose theme this year is “Mental Health: Towards Economic and Social Inclusion” will discuss relevant health issues including the post 2015 global development agenda and its health aspects.  Minister Seakgosing will make a presentation on Mental Health in Botswana.

The release further states that the minister will also attend the annual World Health Assembly meeting scheduled to start from May 20 to 28. The World Health Assembly, a decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), is attended by all member states.  It determines the policies of the organisation, review and approves the proposed programme budget. 

Public health issues such as prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and monitoring of the achievement of health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will be discussed at the Assembly. The Assembly will also discuss the outcomes of the Gaborone High Level Dialogue on Health post 2015 that was held from March 4 to 5 this year. 

The minister will be accompanied by the Permanent Secretary and the deputy permanent secretary (Preventive Health Services). ENDS