Luanda - The Minister of Health, Silvia Lutucuta, defended on Monday, in the city of Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, the need to join efforts in the implementation of the contingency plan, assertive measures and vaccines to combat the mpox epidemic in Africa.
According to her, Angola is currently in a state of alert due to this epidemic, which is ravaging some neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the 74th session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, which began today, Sílvia Lutucuta said that Angola defends the need to have a vaccine and medical products industry.
She thanked the WHO Regional Committee for its support for polio vaccination, among other instruments.
At the meeting, which closes on the 30th of this month, the Angolan health minister emphasised that the country is working to improve primary health care, reduce deaths from communicable and non-communicable diseases, among other initiatives.
The meeting which is being held under the motto “a world mobilised for health, health for all”, with the participation of 47 representatives from WHO member states in the African region, as well as development partners supporting the sector on the continent.
The 74th session of the African Regional Committee will discuss health challenges in the region and ways to mitigate their effects and will also serve to elect the new WHO regional director for Africa.
Representatives from Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal and Tanzania are the candidates for the post. SJ/OHA/MRA/DOJ
