Latest news with #Ndenzako
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) and Ministry of Health Strengthen Partnership to Advance Botswana's Health Priorities
WHO Botswana Representative Dr. Fabian Ndenzako and his team recently paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Health, where they met with Honorable Minister Dr. Stephen Modise and senior ministry officials to reaffirm their partnership and shared commitment to improving health outcomes in Botswana. During the meeting, Dr. Ndenzako expressed WHO's continued commitment to working closely with Botswana to advance national health priorities. He emphasized the need to build resilient health systems, particularly in light of recent natural disasters such as floods, and congratulated the country on its remarkable progress in key areas, including the national HIV response. These achievements, he noted, align with WHO's focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening primary healthcare. Dr. Ndenzako also highlighted the importance of the WHO-Ministry of Health cooperation framework, which outlines shared strategic priorities to achieve national health goals. He reaffirmed WHO's role as a technical partner in areas such as disease control, health research, and emergency preparedness and response. Additionally, he acknowledged Botswana's active participation in WHO's governing bodies and its contributions to shaping global health policies. Minister Modise welcomed the ongoing collaboration with WHO and reaffirmed Botswana's commitment to achieving UHC. He noted the government's ongoing efforts to develop a national health insurance scheme, manage changing donor funding landscapes, and ensure strategic allocation of resources for health priorities. Key outcomes from the engagement included WHO's pledge to continue providing technical support, plans to reallocate resources to maintain essential health services, and the reinstatement of quarterly review meetings to enhance coordination and accountability. Both parties expressed their dedication to deepening collaboration and strengthening health systems to ensure better health for all in Botswana. 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.
