Lusaka, 3 June 2015 - The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti will pay a three day official visit to Zambia from 3 to 5 June 2015 at the invitation of the Zambian government. During her visit, she will pay a courtesy call on the President of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Dr Moeti’s visit to Zambia is aimed at enhancing cooperation with the Government of Zambia and to discuss areas in which WHO could further support the country in its health development efforts. It also coincides with the commemoration of 50 years of WHO’s continued provision of technical, financial and logistical support to Zambia to improve the health of people.

The Regional Director will hold a working session with the Minister of Health and other high ranking officials of the health ministry. She will also participate in the launch of the first round of the 2015 Zambian Child Health Week – an initiative aimed at reaching children in the hard to reach areas and the underserved populations with an integrated package of life-saving interventions.

“The World Health Organization and the people of Zambia have enjoyed a long and rich history. The country has made commendable progress in health development and I look forward to discussing a range of issues of interest to Zambia in particular and Africa in general”, said Dr Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

Zambia has made significant strides in the reduction of maternal and child deaths and HIV incidence. During the 50 years of WHO support, the country has eradicated smallpox. Through its Expanded Programme on Immunization, it has drastically reduced illnesses and deaths due to vaccine preventable diseases and has spearheaded the introduction of new vaccines for Rotavirus and Pneumococcus vaccine that prevent diarrhoea and pneumonia respectively.

Dr Joseph Kasonde, Minister of Health of Zambia, said: “We are glad that Dr Moeti is visiting Zambia. We congratulate her on her appointment as the first woman Regional Director for the World Health Organization. Her priorities are in line with the health agenda of the African continent and Zambia in particular. The visit will provide a unique opportunity for us to further strengthen our collaboration towards the socio-economic development of our country”.

The Regional Director will also hold discussions with the UN Country Team and other partners on harmonising and aligning their activities to the country’s priorities.

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