Brazzaville, 10 October 2008 -- The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, has concluded an official visit to the Republic of South Africa at the invitation of the South African Government.

The visit took place from Monday 6th - 8th October 08

On the first day, Dr Sambo led a WHO delegation to meet Ms Barbara Hogan, Minister of Health of South Africa and other senior officials of the Ministry. The two parties discussed a range of health issues aimed at further strengthening the cooperation between WHO and the Government of South Africa for the achievement of the health-related Millennium Development Goals.

The Regional Director also visited the Church of Scotland Hospital in Msinga, Umzinathi District in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province - a renowned centre for diagnosis and treatment of Multiple and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR/XDR TB) in the country. Dr Sambo praised the good work being done by health professionals in collaboration with the local community to reduce the incidence of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Commenting on the visit, Dr Sambo said: “WHO strongly values its long lasting co-operation with the Republic of South Africa and this visit was an excellent opportunity to further strengthen this relationship in order to improve the health status of South Africans. I would like to thank the Government of South Africa for the warm hospitality accorded us”.

As part of his itinerary, the Regional Director visited the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS in Johannesburg. He also held meetings with the United Nations Country Team in South Africa and other bilateral and multilateral partners to discuss coordination of international health partnerships to support the health sector in South Africa.

At a reception organized in his honour, Dr Sambo presented the 2008 Director-General’s Global Award for Tobacco Control to Prof Harry Seftel, for his efforts in the fight against tobacco.

Minister Hogan thanked WHO for its sterling leadership role in international health work and looked forward to continued mutually beneficial relations with the Organization.

For further information please contact:

Collins Boakye-Agyemang

Tel : +47 241 39420

E-mail : boakyec [at] afro.who.int