Gaborone, Botswana - 13 May 2019: Members of the Botswana delegation to the 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA) received pre-departure briefing from WHO at the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) building.

The Honorable Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Alfred Madigele who will lead the Botswana delegation to the Assembly was in the company of other members of the delegation that attended the briefing session included the newly appointed Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Honorable Sethomo Lelatisitswe, the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ruth Maphorisa and other senior officials of the MoHW. The briefing session was conducted by the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Martins Ovberedjo.

The session covered the WHA agenda, including important topics outlined in the WHA calendar of events.  The delegation was also informed about important dates for the Assembly as well as the plenary sessions. The briefing session also included discussions on identified side events, talking notes and opportunity for advocacy, collaboration and technical support considered relevant to the country.

The Honorable Minister Dr. Madigele in his closing remarks, expressed appreciation to the WHO team led by Dr Martins Ovberedjo and Ms. Kentse Moakofhi for the well-structured presentation and continued unwavering support. The Minister and his team made a commitment that on return from WHA, they will hold debriefing session to the MoHW with relevant stakeholders in the country to share and implement WHA resolutions.