The 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA72) will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 20-28 May 2019. The WHA is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States.

Several national representatives to the EDCTP governing body will also be part of the official country delegations to the World Health Assembly and attend part of the WHA72 meetings.

On 27 May, EDCTP will host a reception for members of the WHA72 delegations from EDCTP Member States and other interested parties:

‘Primed for action: ensuring epidemic preparedness in sub-Saharan Africa’ 

Many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, have weak health systems. This makes them very vulnerable to the devastating effects of infectious disease epidemics and their negative impact on national health programmes. Population movement, immigration and global warming serve to increase the geographical impact of these epidemics. Therefore, it is a global political priority to galvanise the emergency preparedness of health systems and services, including their capacity to conduct necessary clinical research in response to these health emergencies.

This event will focus on the importance of international collaboration in combating epidemic outbreaks. EDCTP will be presented as an example of international health research collaboration, and we will discuss how equal partnerships can pave the way for long-term strengthening of epidemic preparedness in sub-Saharan Africa and other resource-limited settings.

Speakers will include:
Dr Leonardo Simão, former Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique.
Prof. Marcel Tanner, President of the Swiss Academy of Sciences and Director Emeritus and President of the R. Geigy Foundation, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.

A few words of welcome will also be given by the host, Dr Michael Makanga, EDCTP Executive Director.

RSVP is much appreciated and can be done via the form below.