Harare, 23 Oct. 2015 - This was the final in a series of events to mark UN@70. The main commemorative function hosted by WHO at the  Highlands compound, was attended by various UN agencies staff led by their respective Heads of Agencies, senior Government Officials, bilateral partners and a wide range of Ambassadors and Heads of Missions accredited to Zimbabwe.

The guest of honor at the event was the Vice President and Minister of Justice, Labour and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. E.D. Mnangagwa who had a chance to tour exhibition stands mounted by the different UN agencies to showcase their roles and contributions to development programmes as articulated in the Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF). During his tour of stands, Hon. Mnangagwa was shown snapshots of the work of WHO in Zimbabwe, and he expressed interest in WHO’s work in the vaccination of children. WHO Representative Dr David Okello took the opportunity to brief him on the recently concluded Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, targeting over 5 million children between the ages of 9 months and 15 years nationwide. 

In his statement to the crowd gathered for the commemorative function, the Hon. Vice President Mnangagwa said the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) values the excellent relationship of cooperation and collaboration that exists between GoZ and the UN Country Team. “We appreciate your support and service, and I assure you of the government’s commitment to continue working closely with you in our quest to improve the lives of our citizens,” said Hon. Mnangagwa. He also said Zimbabwe’s realization of the recently launched Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depends on the support and cooperation of partners like the UN agencies.

Speaking on the sidelines of the commemorative function, WHO Representative, Dr David Okello said WHO is honored and privileged to host such a high level function. ‘It is an honor for the Vice President to visit our premises and to sign our visitors book” , said Dr Okello. Hon. Mnangagwa visited the WR’s office where he took the opportunity to sign the visitors book.

The events leading to the commemorative function of UN@70 covered a wide range of activities over a 2 week period ranging from planting trees in selected schools around Harare; the family fun and wellness day; and a media breakfast meeting meant to create a nationwide awareness on the recently launched SDGs with emphasis on how Zimbabwe intends to implement the 17 SDGs.

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For more information, please contact:

JULIAS Wendy, Email: juliasw [at] who.int