The WHO Representative to the Gambia, Dr. Desta A. Tiruneh, presented his Letter of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon A.N.M. Ousainou Darboe, at his offices in Banjul, this afternoon.

During the brief meeting with the Foreign Minister, Dr. Tiruneh thanked the Government and People of the Republic of the Gambia for being supportive to the work of the WHO in the country, regionally and globally. “I will continue the legacy of WHO work in The Gambia and consolidate the gains made so far and realize its new health and development aspirations” Dr. Tiruneh remarked. He also briefed the Minister on the ongoing WHO reform at regional and global levels, highlighting some of the common health systems challenges the African Region, including the Gambia, is facing and how these are being addressed within the context of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa Transformation Agenda.

He assured the Minister that despite the huge challenges that lie ahead, WHO will do all it can within its mandate to meet the expectations of the Government

In reply, the Honorable Minister expressed gratitude to the WHO for its contributions to strengthening the national health systems. He pledged his support to continue the excellent working relations between his Ministry and the WHO. “We are here to work with you and to facilitate your work”, Hon Minister remarked.

In conclusion, Dr. Tiruneh thanked the Hon Minister and shared brochures on the key milestones registered with World Health Organization’s leadership at regional global levels.

Dr. Tiruneh is an Ethiopian national who worked at different technical and senior management positions in his country before joining the World Health Organization in 2001. Since then he has been working in Namibia for over 16 years at different technical positions supporting the Government of Namibia in addressing major public health challenges including communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as strengthening the health emergency preparedness and response and International Health Regulations core capacities.