The WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti visited Botswana to engage with the country leadership and discuss the organization of the seventy-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC73) that will be held in Gaborone from 28 August to 1 September 2023.

During her visit, Dr. Moeti met the President His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the Minister of Health Dr Edwin Dikoloti, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Ms Grace Muzila, and senior management of the Ministry of Health and discussed health and development, in the context of the organization of the RC73 that will bring together the leaders of the public health sector in the region. Accompanied by the WHO Country Representative Dr Josephine Namboze and members of the WHO country team, Dr Moeti also met with the multi-sectoral committees established to prepare the RC73.
The Regional Committee for Africa is WHO's decision-making body in the African region. Held annually, it comprises representatives of each Member State in the region. Delegations of all 47 countries in the region will meet to formulate regional policies; oversee and review WHO Africa’s activities including a review of the regional component of WHO’s proposed programme budget; take note of reports that monitor progress made on various WHO commitments; consider, revise, and endorse new health initiatives; and adopt new resolutions including decisions that steer the work of WHO Africa and country offices for the coming years. Most importantly, the RC73 will steer discussions among Africa’s regional health ministries to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow faced by the countries.  
H.E. Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi meets with the WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Botswana Representative Dr Josephine Namboze, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Grace Muzila.
This year is particularly special as WHO is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the theme ‘75 years of improving public health’ is an opportunity to look back at public health successes and challenges that have impacted quality of life during the last seven decades, in Botswana and in the entire Africa. 
Dr. Moeti applauded the Government of Botswana for its work and investment toward the provision of health care for all people. She also lauded the country for its commitment to the fight against pandemics such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. “The major milestones Botswana has achieved in health are a true commitment to improving people’s well-being. WHO Africa will continue supporting the country’s efforts towards health for all” stated Dr Moeti.
The WHO Regional Director also met with the UN Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury to discuss mutual areas of continued partnership and collaboration with the Government of Botswana. 
His Excellency President Masisi assured the WHO Regional Director that Botswana will make RC73 a complete success. This high-level meeting, where health sector delegations from all the sub-Saharan African countries come together, will attract the attention of the world and Botswana will prove once again its reputation in hospitality.