Harare, 12 Nov. 2012 -- Today the new WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr David Okello presented his credentials to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Simbarashe Mumbengegwi at his Munhumutapa Building offices.

In his welcome statement, the Honorable Minister welcomed Dr Okello to Zimbabwe and said he is looking forward to a good working relationship with the WR. He also appreciated the good work WHO is doing in Zimbabwe, and mentioned in particular the good work done by WHO during the cholera outbreak of 2009. The Honorable Minister also assured Dr Okello that his door would always be open for him if he needed to meet with him.

“My door is open for you if you need to see me on anything, and this is a courtesy I don't extend to everybody, but because of the excellent working relationship with WHO I extend to you,” said Minister Mumbengegwi.

Dr Okello thanked the Honorable Minister for the offer and assured him that he will take him up on it when the need arises. “I will come to you for advice and also for other policy issues especially where we need lobbying to higher offices,” said Dr Okello. He also pledged to work with the Government of Zimbabwe for the health of all Zimbabweans, and to maintain the good relationship that exists between WHO and the Government of Zimbabwe. Dr Okello also assured the Honorable Minister that his stay in Zimbabwe so far has been enjoyable.

Dr Okello joined WHO Zimbabwe in October 2012. Prior to this, Dr Okello also worked as WHO Representative in Nigeria, Swaziland and Kenya; and for a period of about 1 year in 2006, was also responsible for overall oversight of the WHO country office in South Africa. Dr Okello also served at different periods of his career in WHO as Director of AFRO Cluster on AIDS, TB and Malaria (ATM), and as Regional Advisor on Health Research Policy and Coordination. As WHO Representative he will be working with the Government of Zimbabwe to provide policy advice on matters of health and development, and directing the work of WHO in the country.

He will also work closely with other UN Country Team members, to strengthen interactions with the Government of Zimbabwe, NGOs and donors in achieving results for health that are in harmony with the Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF)