Niël Terblanché
Namibia on Wednesday welcomed the Secretary General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on a consequential two-day visit.
At the start of the visit, Dr Ghebreyesus paid a courtesy call to President Hage Geingob at State House.
President Geingob commended the WHO’s commitment to global health concerns and acknowledged Dr Ghebreyesus’s exceptional leadership within the organisation.
The visit is characterised by a series of significant engagements with top officials, aimed at reinforcing collaborative efforts in tackling global health challenges and celebrating Namibia’s achievements in healthcare advancements.
Dr Ghebreyesus praised President Geingob’s steadfast leadership and support during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He attributed Namibia’s success in stabilising and diminishing various diseases to President Geingob’s dedication. This display of mutual admiration underscores the collaborative approach between global health entities and national leadership.
Dr Ghebreyesus reiterated WHO’s reliance on Namibia’s support in tackling worldwide health challenges.
He pledged to work closely with Namibia, aligning the nation’s efforts with WHO’s strategic objectives. This partnership reinforces the global health agenda while acknowledging Namibia’s proactive stance in addressing health issues.
Dr Ghebreyesus’s visit will centre on fostering cooperation on public health concerns that resonate with both the WHO and the Namibian government.
The aim of the cooperation is to strengthen universal health coverage, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from comprehensive health services.
Dr Ghebreyesus is set to engage in bilateral discussions with Dr Kalumbi Shangula, Minister of Health and Social Services, and Monica Geingos, while a meeting with the First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos hold promise for future collaborative endeavours.
Dr Ghebreyesus also plans to visit the Katutura Intermediate Hospital and the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Clinic.
This visit will underscore Namibia’s remarkable achievement in achieving the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV).
The WHO head stated that Namibia’s progress in this regard serves as an inspiration for global efforts to eradicate these diseases.
