4th August2023
Own Correspondent
Botswana will host the seventy-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa which will endeavour to tackle various critical health challenges which face the African region, in an effort to improve health outcomes in the region by developing appropriate strategies, policies and partnerships.
Dr Josephine Namboze, World Health Organisation(WHO) Country Representative, said “These challenges encompass a wide range of topics, from infectious diseases to universal health coverage, health systems strengthening and emergency preparedness and response.
”She said, “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing weaknesses in health systems across Africa. Deliberations will focus on strengthening health systems resilience, enhancing health care workforce capacity and improving access to quality essential health services. Key topics to be covered under strengthening health systems in Africa include discussions on the regional strategy 2023-2032 on diagnostics and laboratory service and systems, for the WHO African Region.
”According to officials the development of a strategy for 2023-2032 aims to improve equitable access to accurate, reliable diagnostic testing to avoid misdiagnosis of diseases and conditions.
Strengthening health diagnostic systems and expanding them to all levels of the health systems is expected to enhance availability and accessibility to populations as required for the successful implementation of primary health care to achieve universal health coverage.
Universal health coverage is one of the core of the Sustainable Development Goals and ensures that all individuals and communities can access quality health services without experiencing financial hardships. Discussions will include dialogue around potential of digital health technologies to transform healthcare delivery, including ways to harness innovation to improve health standards.
Grace Muzila, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, said “The RC73 event also promises to be another great event for this country. We are expecting at least 500 delegates from 47 WHO African member states.
”She said, “We expect the hospitality, retail, transport, health, creative arts, service providers(technical support, catering, décor, etc(, as well as the informal sector, to immediately benefit from the huge purchasing power that will come from conference delegates and organizers.”
