Kinshasa/Brazzaville 23 June 2009 - - The World Health Organization's Regional Director for Africa Dr Luis Gomes Sambo has concluded a five-day official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the invitation of the Congolese government.

The visit began on Thursday 18th June 2009, in the capital city of Kinshasa where Dr Sambo paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Speakers of the Senate and National Assembly to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The Regional Director and his delegation later met His Excellency Auguste Mopipi Mukulumanya, Minister of Public Health and other senior officials of the Health Ministry and discussed a range of issues including post-war rehabilitation efforts.

Discussions were also held afterwards with His Excellency Dr Leonard Mashako Mamba, Minister of Higher Education and Universities during which the Regional Director emphasised closer collaboration between institutions of higher learning and the health ministry.

On the second leg of the visit, Dr Sambo and his delegation proceeded to Provinces of Katanga, North Kivu and Oriental to visit health facilities and hold discussions with local authorities on ways and means of improving people's health particularly in areas of instability.

During his visit, the Regional Director held working sessions with the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and other bilateral partners, where he emphasised United Nations common concerns particularly ‘Delivering as One', to provide a more effective support to the government and people.

Commenting on the tour, Dr Sambo said: "Whilst efforts are being made to address the health challenges of the country, maternal and child health, nutrition and particularly violence against women are issues that require urgent attention".

He reiterated WHO's commitment to work with the government and all partners to improve health outcomes and thanked the government of Democratic Republic of the Congo for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.

His Excellency Auguste Mopipi thanked Dr Sambo for visiting the country and expressed his appreciation and gratitude for WHO's ongoing support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.