Addis ababa: An Angolan delegation, led by Secretary of State for Public Health Carlos de Sousa, is participating in the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 23 to 28 August. According to Angola Press News Agency, Carlos de Sousa is representing Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta at the forum, which gathers representatives from the 47 Member States of the WHO African Region. The session is set to review regional strategic documents with a primary focus on universal health coverage and safeguarding populations from health emergencies. The meeting is crucial as it aims to boost preparedness for future pandemics, enhance emergency response capacities, and improve the resilience of health systems in African nations. Angola's delegation comprises senior officials from various departments within the Ministry of Health, including the National Directorate of Public Health, Inspectorate-General of Health and Pharmaceutical Activities, and national institutes related to AIDS Control and Health Research. The event is also attended by representatives from international health organizations, including the African Union, the World Bank, UNICEF, Gavi, Africa CDC, and the Global Fund, among others. Angola's involvement in the session is expected to aid in defining the African region's health priorities for the 2026-2035 period, while also reinforcing the alignment of national policies with regional and global health commitments.
