Rwanda’s Minister of health, Dr.Diane Gashumba is one of the health ministers from the 47 WHO member states who convened for the 68th session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee (RC) for Africa in Dakar, Senegal.

The 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee (RC) for Africa opened on 27th to 31st August 2018 at the King Fahd Palace Hotel, Dakar.

RC68 takes place at a critical moment and is discussing important issues such as the WHO African Regional Office (WHO/AFRO) Programme Budget 2020/21, the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the WHO/AFRO Transformation Agenda, sustainable financing for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), frameworks for certification of polio eradication and control of cholera among other important topics.

During the meeting, the WHO Regional Director for Africa presented a report on the work of WHO in the Region from 2017 to 2018.  Furthermore, the delegates will reviewed the Progress Report on the Implementation of the Transformation Agenda of the World Health Organization Secretariat in the African Region: 2015–2020 and a report on the resource mobilization efforts through strengthening partnerships to better support to Member States.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 68th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC68), Dr Tedros informed the delegates that there are very positive signs of political commitment in some of the countries adding that ultimately it is the political leaders that will achieve the “triple billion” targets of the 13th General Programme of Work and ultimately the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It’s you as political leaders who are accountable for the decisions you make and the results you achieve. WHO’s role is to give you the best support we can”, he said.

 

He noted that the two recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in DRC have tested WHO’s preparedness and response system. He added that as heightened response activities to EVD continue in DRC, WHO is also focusing on strengthening EVD preparedness and surveillance in fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable states.

The President of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Macky Sall also commended WHO for its efforts to improve the health situation on the continent.