03 Sep 2023

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has been appreciated for his hands-on support in the final preparations of the just concluded 73rd Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC73) in Gaborone.

Closing the ceremony, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said President Masisi had demonstrated through his actions that his reset agenda was being implemented.

“We were all delighted that he was able to be with us even in the build-up events and some side events despite his busy schedule,” she said.

Dr Moeti also appreciated the delegates from different countries for their input, which she said would help in defining future decisions on important matters such as pandemic treaties and international health regulations.

Dr Moeti said the UN General Assembly planned for this month will discuss crucial health issues such as universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness and response as well as tuberculosis.

She, therefore, urged African member states to use the opportunity to raise key issues relevant to the region and urged countries to always place people’s interests at the centre of decisions.

“We agreed on the need to provide and scale up people-centred health care and reduce out of pocket payments, which is a barrier to accessing health services in many member states,” she said.

For his part, the Minister of Health, who was also the chairperson for the session

Dr Edwin Dikoloti said through their contributions during the session, member states had defined a notable health path for the region and for the populations to improve health and wellbeing in Africa.

“Clearly we have defined home-grown health solutions responsive and appropriate to our African setting,” he said.

He also applauded them for the critical decisions and resolutions they took such as the adoption of various regional strategies.

“I was also impressed by the level of participation and the rich reflections brought forward to enhance our work in the field.

The exchanges on your best practices and lessons will without doubt positively impact the health of our people,” he said.

Some of the experiences shared by member states during the week-long session include best practices and challenges in efforts to address antimicrobial resistance and strengthen human resources for health.

Recommendations were also made to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, health targets and universal health coverage.

Notes were also shared on the multi-sectoral approach to promoting health and well-being and the critical importance of strengthening community protection and resilience.

The next session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa will be held in Brazzaville, Congo next year. ENDS