KIGALI - World Health Organisation (WHO) representatives and health experts are set to meet in Rwanda next week, as part of a periodic consultative process to assess challenges within the sector, Health Minister Dr Richard Sezibera has said.

Over 400 delegates from across the continent will attend the meeting including WHO Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan. 

"During the five-day conference, we will discuss the health progress of the region with regard to the fight against HIV/ Aids, Tuberculosis and our stand in relation to preparedness to handle epidemics and pandemics like H1N1 (swine flu).”

"We will also have the opportunity to learn from other countries’ health policies as well as identify ways of increasing resources that will enable us strengthen primary health care and health research,” Sezibera explained.

Dr. Jack Abdoulie Dodou, WHO Resident Representative in Rwanda, said the ministerial consultative meeting is a platform which allows countries to deal with health issues in a collaborative manner.

"Rwanda has also demonstrated impressive ability to deal with public health issues. This is clearly seen with the health insurance policy which is no longer a wish but a reality.

During this meeting this potential will be show cased,” Abdoulie said.

Officials also highlighted that nomination of a new Director for WHO Africa region will be conducted during this summit as well as adopting the organisation’s program me budget for 2010 to 2011.

Other sessions will also be held on the African Aids vaccine programme and introduction of meningitis vaccines in the region.

Forty six African countries are members of WHO.

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