Uganda’s Health Minister Appointed WHO Second VP

Uganda Minister of Health Hon Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has been appointed the second Vice President of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee in Africa.

Her appointment was conducted during the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Lome, Togo which commenced on 22nd August and will be ending on 26th August 2022.

“Uganda was honoured to be appointed second vice president and l humbly assumed my seat as one of the chairpersons at the 72nd session of the Regional Committee for Africa in Lome, Togo,” Minister Aceng said.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General said that African Ministers and government representatives will discuss measures to lower the burden of diseases and endorse strategies to promote access to health services in the continent.

‘’We are calling on all member states to make an urgent paradigm shift toward promoting health and well-being and preventing disease by addressing its root causes and creating the condition for health to thrive’’, Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Speaking at the same function, the WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti, called for equity in the allocation of health resources.

“Equity is a key factor in the health outcomes in Africa and globally. Nothing has better demonstrated the urgency of addressing it comprehensively and effectively than this pandemic inequity is a key driver of vulnerability to disease and illness. I’d like to Urge that we collectively address it at the Centre of our health action,’’ Dr Matshidiso said.

The WHO African Regional Committee is responsible for formulating regional policies on Health to guide the participating governments.