Outgoing WHO Representative Bids Farewell, Acknowledges SADC’s Health Achievements
The outgoing World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Botswana, Dr. Josephine Namboze, bid farewell to His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), marking the end of her mission.
The meeting, held in Gaborone, Botswana, highlighted the strong diplomatic ties and collaborative efforts achieved during her tenure.
Dr. Namboze expressed gratitude for the diplomatic cooperation and strong ties formed during her collaborative engagements with the SADC region.
She commended the SADC family for their warm and cordial relationship and acknowledged the collaborative efforts in developing regional health programs and initiatives.
The outgoing representative emphasized the significant task the region faces in ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.
Highlighting the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Namboze praised SADC’s progress and resilience in the face of health challenges.
She emphasized the need for continued efforts in strengthening national-level capacities to prevent, detect, and control disease outbreaks, urging the development of robust action plans for health security.
Executive Secretary H.E Magosi extended his well wishes to Dr. Namboze for her future endeavors and congratulated her on her outstanding work at both the country and regional levels.
He expressed appreciation for WHO’s contribution during challenging times, particularly in the fight against the 2023 cholera outbreak.
H.E Magosi stressed the importance of SADC investing in mechanisms that enhance monitoring and response capabilities, building capacity, and adopting appropriate strategies for disease prevention and control.
He highlighted the need for the region to prioritize capacity building in vaccine development and the manufacturing of essential medicines through the capitalization of the pooled procurement initiative.
Dr. Namboze was accompanied by Dr. Juliet Bataringaya, the newly appointed acting WHO Representative in Botswana, while the Executive Secretary was accompanied by Ms. Duduzile Simelane, Director of Social and Human Development at the SADC Secretariat.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to ongoing collaboration for the improvement of health standards and security within the SADC region.
Source: SADC Secretariat
