GLOBAL IMPACT
Two Batswana scholars Prof. Doreen Ramogola-Masire and Prof. Bontle Mbongwe, were among the eight who received special recognition awards from the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the just ended World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
This is for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of global health. Prof. Ramogola-Masire received the Sasakawa Health Award, while Prof. Mbongwe was awarded the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion. The awards were presented by the just appointed President of the Assembly, Dr Edwin G. Dikoloti, who is also the Minister of Health of Botswana.
The assembly also recognised several other Botswana women for their outstanding work in the health space, not only in Botswana but also globally. Among them, is Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who is the Regional Director for the WHO Africa Region, based in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. She oversees issues of health in the African continent.
At this year's World Health Assembly in Geneva, the Africa Region's statement responding to the WHO Director General's report, was read by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Prof. Oatlhokwa Nkomazana, herself a decorated health academic and practitioner. The Assembly was chaired by Dr Dikoloti.
Another giant in the health space is Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Shenaz Al Halabi, who currently works as a Director in the Office of the Director General of the WHO, Dr Tedros A. Ghebreyesus.
Former Ministers of Health, Joy Phumaphi and Prof. Sheila Tlou are distinguished health leaders who are also flying the Botswana flag high in their global health roles and works.
Ms Phumaphi is the current Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), which is an initiative of African Union Heads of State and Government, to eliminate Malaria.
Prof. Sheila Tlou serves as a special Ambassador of the ALMA initiative, amongst her numerous other global roles in making the world a healthier place for everyone.