Botswana Making A Mark In The Global Health Space
Minister of Health Hon. Dr Edwin G. Dikoloti, assumed the Presidency of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on 27 May 2024. The World Health Assembly, which is made up of 194 World Health Organisation (WHO) member states, is the WHO’s top decision-making body. It is attended by Ministers of Health from the 194 member countries, amongst other global health leaders and experts. The Assembly makes crucial decisions about the policies, strategies, budget and appointment of the Director General of the WHO, amongst others.
As the President, Minister Dr Dikoloti chairs proceedings of the Assembly. Minister Dikoloti, is also the current Chairman of the WHO African region, which comprises 47 Africa member countries. The Regional Director of the WHO Africa is Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who is also from Botswana. At the 77th World Health Assembly, which was chaired by Minister Dr Dikoloti as already alluded, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Prof. Oatlhokwa Nkomazana, read the Africa Region statement on behalf of Africa, where she highlighted the importance of focusing on strengthening primary health care systems for countries to achieve universal health coverage.
Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Ms Shenaz Al Halabi, currently works as a Director in the Office of the Director General of the WHO, Dr Tedros A. Ghebreyesus.
Former Ministers of Health Ms Joy Phumaphi and Prof. Sheila Tlou are distinguished health leaders who are also flying the Botswana flag high in their global health roles and works. Ms Phumaphi is the current Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), which is an initiative of African Union Heads of State and Government, to eliminate Malaria. Prof. Sheila Tlou serves as a special Ambassador of the ALMA initiative, amongst her numerous other global roles in making the world a healthier place for everyone.
At the just ended World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, two Batswana scholars Prof. Doreen Ramogola-Masire and Prof. Bontle Mbongwe, received special recognition awards from the WHO Director General, for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of global health. Prof. Ramogola-Masire received the Sasakwa Health Award, while Prof. Mbongwe was awarded the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion.
