Liberia’s Health Minister, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, has been elected as one of the Vice Chairs of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa. The election took place during the 74th Session of the Committee, currently underway in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, according to a release.
The session, which runs from August 26 to 30, serves as a critical forum for the WHO’s regional decision-making body to deliberate on and endorse policies, activities, and financial plans aimed at enhancing health outcomes across the African continent.
The opening of the session was marked by an address from President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, who urged African nations to rally behind the “Quality in Primary Healthcare” initiative.
Highlighting the transnational nature of disease vectors, President Nguesso said the importance of vaccination, adherence to health regulations, quality nutrition and physical activity are fundamental measures to protect the health of populations across Africa.
This year’s session has attracted nearly 1,000 participants, including WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, health ministers from 47 African member states, and other key stakeholders.
The agenda focuses on pressing health issues confronting the continent, including the urgent need to strengthen health systems through WHO reforms, efforts to combat preventable child mortality, and strategies for the eradication of polio and prevention of cervical cancer.
A key area of focus during the discussions is the prevention of cervical cancer, with special emphasis on the role of HPV vaccination and screening as essential tools in this fight. As Vice Chair, Dr. Kpoto is expected to play a pivotal role in steering these discussions and contributing to the development of actionable strategies that will have a lasting impact on health outcomes in Africa.
