Latest news with #CountryCooperationStrategy
African Manager
12-08-2025
- Health
- African Manager
WHO takes stock of its activities in Tunisia, for resilient health systems
Presenting its assessment of its activities in Tunisia from 2019 to 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that these were organized according to biennial work plans, but without being guided by a formal Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS). In budgetary terms, the WHO's planned contribution amounted to USD 28,782,261, of which USD 22,783,263 had been implemented as of October 20, 2023. It should be noted that the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE), used for the COVID-19 response, represented 59% of the total budget executed during the evaluation period. As part of its biennial planning, WHO in Tunisia focused primarily on improving access to quality essential health services, reducing financial hardship, and improving access to essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and devices, in the context of health system reforms aimed at achieving universal health coverage (UHC). This translated into strengthening preparedness, detection, and management of health emergencies; improving epidemic and pandemic prevention; and addressing the determinants of health, reducing risk factors, and applying a 'Health in All Policies' approach to improve the health and well-being of the population. In addition, WHO adapted its efforts in Tunisia to address emerging challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with immediate crisis responses and follow-up measures during the 2020-2021 and 2022-2023 biennia. During the evaluation period, major public health issues in Tunisia, such as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), received renewed attention. This included promoting a multisectoral approach to risk factors, addressing mental health, and improving medicine supply. Advocacy and community engagement played a crucial role in these advances, leading to lasting changes, notably in tobacco control. While significant action was initiated to advance universal health coverage, these efforts are still ongoing and remain highly dependent on contextual factors and the development of medium-term strategic partnerships. Moreover, WHO interventions did not sufficiently address the structural changes needed to improve essential public health functions or consolidate the foundational elements of the health system. The COVID-19 response WHO's support for the national COVID-19 response included rapidly activating national response mechanisms, providing essential scientific information, coordinating efforts, and strengthening certain capacities within the national health system. Much of the emergency assistance provided during the pandemic was later converted into strengthening regular health services and building capacity to respond to future crises. However, inefficiencies were noted in supporting the national response, particularly in building and operationalizing hospital services, providing biomedical equipment, and ensuring the rapid rollout of the national vaccination strategy. In both the global and national contexts, WHO's strategic role is clear — notably in its capacity to support the production, dissemination, and application of knowledge, an area where it holds significant comparative advantages. Its mission, normative leadership, and role as a source of information for health actors are well established. However, these advantages are somewhat offset by a lack of visibility and a lack of awareness among key health stakeholders in Tunisia regarding WHO's priorities and collaboration opportunities. Strong scientific leadership Key issues such as governance, financing, human resources (HR) in health, and the impact of climate change on health were less developed, despite their importance for building resilient health systems. Actions were planned or initiated on topics such as violence against women and children, care for the elderly, nutrition, and generating evidence from health information systems — but these appear to have lacked follow-up. WHO's action during COVID-19 in Tunisia contributed significantly to mitigating the impact on the national health system, its professionals, and the population. In particular, WHO demonstrated strong scientific leadership, effective political and institutional engagement, and robust support for the national coordination of the response. Its technical assistance in areas such as cold-chain management and laboratory capacity was especially commendable.
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
New World Health Organization (WHO) Botswana Representative presents credentials
The newly appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Botswana and SADC, Dr. Fabian Ndenzako, officially presented his credentials to the Ministry of International Relations today. In his remarks, Dr. Ndenzako expressed his deep honour in taking on the role and reaffirmed WHO's unwavering commitment to supporting Botswana's health sector. 'I am truly honored to assume this position and look forward to working closely with the Government of Botswana. Together, we will strive to strengthen the country's health systems, ensuring they are resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Batswana,' said Dr. Ndenzako. He commended Botswana for its notable achievements in public health, particularly in the areas of HIV response and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as post-COVID-19 recovery, the impacts of climate change, and economic constraints, Dr. Ndenzako emphasized WHO's continued support in helping Botswana address health inequities and improve the well-being of its most vulnerable populations. Receiving the credentials, Minister of International Relations, Hon. Phenyo Butale, welcomed Dr. Ndenzako and highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in health. He underscored the need for resilient health systems and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, especially in a rapidly evolving global context. Dr. Ndenzako's appointment marks a renewed chapter in WHO-Botswana collaboration, rooted in shared goals and guided by the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy 2024–2027. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes Dr. Fabian Ndenzako as new Representative to Botswana
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially welcomed Dr. Fabian Ndenzako as the new Head of Mission and WHO Representative to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). A seasoned global health expert, Dr. Ndenzako brings with him over 25 years of experience in public health, including more than two decades of service within WHO across various regions and leadership capacities. His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as WHO continues to deepen its collaboration with the newly constituted Government of Botswana, following the November 2024 elections. Guided by the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2024–2027, Dr. Ndenzako will lead efforts aligned with Botswana's National Development Plan. These efforts focus on five strategic priorities: strengthening health systems toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC); delivering quality, equitable, and integrated health services across the life course; preventing and controlling communicable and non-communicable diseases; enhancing health security and disaster risk reduction management; and promoting multisectoral action for a healthier population. Dr. Ndenzako is a medical doctor trained at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He holds a master's in public health from the University of Oslo and a master's in development studies and diplomacy from the University for Peace in collaboration with UNITAR. His impressive academic background complements a broad and deep understanding of global health systems, policy, and diplomacy. Prior to his appointment in Botswana, Dr. Ndenzako served as Acting WHO Representative in South Africa, based in Pretoria. He has also led WHO country offices in South Sudan (2021–2024) and Malawi (2018–2019), demonstrating strong leadership in navigating complex public health landscapes, managing crises, and mobilizing resources to strengthen national health responses. Earlier in his career, Dr. Ndenzako served as Medical Officer for HIV, Hepatitis, and TB at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, supporting over 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. His contributions included reviewing national health programs, developing strategies and guidelines, coordinating multi-country responses, and facilitating resource mobilization for health emergencies and epidemics. He also brings valuable international experience from nearly a decade with the WHO Western Pacific Region, based in Papua New Guinea, where he supported regional responses to both communicable and non-communicable diseases. His work with governments, the United Nations, NGOs, civil society, donors, and international partners underscores his commitment to inclusive and collaborative public health strategies. Now at the helm of WHO Botswana, Dr. Ndenzako is poised to steer the office's efforts toward impactful implementation of the biennial plan, support national health priorities, and strengthen regional coordination through SADC. His vast experience and visionary leadership are set to advance the health and well-being of the people of Botswana and the region at large. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
New World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Angola Presents Diplomatic Credentials
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the presentation of diplomatic credentials by Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, the newly appointed WHO Representative in Angola. Dr. Hazarika brings a wealth of experience in global health, strategic planning, and health system transformation, having previously held various positions at WHO and other international health organizations. In a formal ceremony held in the country's capital, Luanda, Dr. Hazarika presented his credentials to Ambassador Esmeralda Mendonça, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. This marks the beginning of Dr. Hazarika's mandate in Angola, where he will lead WHO's efforts to support and improve the country's health sector. Dr. Hazarika's appointment comes at a crucial time, as WHO continues to work closely with the Angolan government to address key health challenges, including the current cholera outbreak. In line with WHO's 14th General Programme of Work, the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2023-2027 outlines five strategic priorities that will guide the efforts to support and improve the health of Angolan: strengthening health systems, integrated health services, disease prevention and control, health security and disaster preparedness and multisectoral approaches to create healthier populations. As part of its mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, WHO has been working hand in hand with the Ministry of Health on crucial actions to improve the health system in Angola and achieve the sustainable development goals. In 2024, the organization achieved significant results, including the successful implementation of programs to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of malaria and tuberculosis, expansion of services for neglected tropical diseases, development of an NCD control strategy, revitalization of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) initiative, improved control of maternal and perinatal deaths, and national polio vaccination campaigns. Dr. Hazarika expressed his commitment to further strengthening the ongoing work in collaboration with the Angolan government, UN agencies, development partners, academia, civil society, health professionals, and local communities to achieve health and health-related SDGs. 'I am truly honored to take on this role and am deeply committed to advancing health in Angola. Together, we will strive to build a resilient health system that can effectively meet the population's needs, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all,' said Dr. Hazarika. Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, an Indian national, is a medical doctor by training and has a doctorate in health economics from the University of Melbourne since 2015 and a master's degree in public health from Havard University. Among the various senior positions he has held in health organizations worldwide, he was senior public health policy officer for WHO globally and WHO acting representative in Mauritius. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Angola.
