Gambella, 16-17 June 2013 -- A high level delegation led by H.E. Dr Kesetebirhan Admassu, Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health with the participation of WHO ( Dr Lorenzo Savioli, Director Department Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases Headquarters, Dr Gautam Biswas - WHO Headquarters , Dr Alhousseini Maiga - WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Abebayehu Assefa - WHO Country Office), Dr Julie Jacobson - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Zerihun Tadesse - Carter Center, met H.E. Mr.

Partners meet and commit to ‘end the neglect, integrate, scale-up and sustain’

At the request of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, a high level meeting was held with the new Minister of Health Dr Ruhakana Rugunda to discuss to the issues affecting the performance of the immunization program in Uganda.

The meeting was attended by the Director General of Health Services Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Deputy UNICEF Representative Dr. May Anaybolu, the WHO Representative Dr Wondimagegnehu Alemu and technical officers from WHO and UNICEF.

Brazzaville, 17 June 2013 -- A group of public health experts from the WHO African Region have begun a five-day meeting in Brazzaville, Congo to discuss a range of issues that affect people’s health in the region.

15 June 2013 -- Zimbabwe’s young blood donors were acknowledged and honored as the country joined the rest of the world in celebrating world blood donor day under the theme “Give the gift of life, donate blood.”. This year’s commemorations were held at Mutendi High School in Masvingo. Mutendi High School donat-ed the highest number of blood units in Masvingo province in 2012. The National winners were John Tal-lach High School of Matebeleland North Province.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, June 12-14, 2013 -- His Excellency Dr Keseteberhan Admassu, Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, launched the National Master Plan of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in a high level symposium held at Hilton International Hotel on 12 June 2013. More than 400 participants representing federal government offices, regional health bureaus, and partners attended the meeting. Among the partners, WHO, USAID, DFID, World Bank, Bill & Melinda GATES Foundation, international NGOs and research inistutes and acadamia have been reperesented.

« Second hand smoke kills »

Rwanda has celebrated the World No Tobacco Day on 14 June 2013. The theme worldwide was "Ban to Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship". In Rwanda, the theme has been adapted to the current priority in fighting against tobacco, which is "Second Hand Smoke Kills".

Activities along the previous week to the celebration day were oriented to sensitization activities reminding communities to not smoke in public places and closed areas. The messages were conveyed to general public but especially to young people.

The new WHO Representative to Uganda, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu, presented his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda, Hon Sam Kutesa, at a brief ceremony held on Friday 14th June 2013. The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Soon after, the two held discussions on diverse health development issues in Uganda.

Brazzaville, 14 June 2013 – The Special Adviser to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Innovative Financing for Development, and Chairman of the Executive Board of UNITAID, Dr Philippe Douste-Blazy has called for globalisation of solidarity to address health challenges facing the world.

Harare, 13 June 2013 -- In a bid to strengthen relations between the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and WHO, the WHO Representative, Dr David Okello invited the Honorable Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera for an informal tour of the WHO compound. The tour was preceded by lunch at the Jacaranda Space where the Honorable Minister and the WR discussed health issues informally. The lunch and tour was attended by some officers from both WHO and the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare.