Government defends $1m expenditure on WHO summit

The Minister Dr. Richard Sezibera told a press conference that the expenditure was worthy it because government receives a lot of money from the WHO every year.

The continental session will be profitable to Rwanda because the visiting delegates may return as tourists, Sezibera said.

The 59th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Region Committee is scheduled August 31 to September 04. The committee is made up of Health Ministers from 46 countries.

Among the expected high-profile 400 delegates includes former Botswana President Festus Mogae and WHO Executive Director Dr Margaret Chan.   

High on agenda will be the H1N1 virus which has hit all Rwanda’s neighbours. Malaria and Tuberculosis, and drug resistant diseases will be on the agenda. Delegates will also agree on the nomination of the new Director for the WHO Africa Region.   

Delegates will also have a chance to see first-hand how Rwanda has successfully controlled the HIV spread compared to other African countries, according to Dr. Jack Abdoulie, WHO representative in Kigali.