Cape Town, 6 October 2015 - The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti has underscored the critical role of health in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Addressing delegates at the Second Ministerial Forum on China-Africa Health Development, in Cape Town, South Africa, Dr Moeti observed that although health is a desirable outcome of the SDGs in its own right and an input into other goals, it is a reliable measure of sustainable development.
She noted that health can no longer be considered as a consuming sector. Its recognition as a smart economic investment has been formalised in the SDGs.  “We expect to see countries in Africa and the international community, which will benefit from a prosperous Africa, concretise this recognition, in implementing the SDGs”, she said.

Countries in the WHO African Region have made significant progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but this is insufficient to reach the targets. Building on the MDGs, the SDG agenda with its unprecedented scope and ambition, spells out targets for tackling the unfinished business of the health-related MDGs;  noncommunicable diseases and injuries;  universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services; Universal Health Coverage; and environmental pollution and contamination.

The Regional Director drew attention to the rising problem of NCDs in the continent, and called upon countries to implement critical sustainable solutions such as inclusion of NCD essential packages as part of universal health coverage. She also stressed the need to build resilient and effective health systems that can withstand shocks and ensure the delivery of equitable and accessible services. Delegates were reminded to fulfil their obligations in relation to the International Health Regulations and strengthen their capacities to prepare and control disease outbreaks.

Referring to the China-Africa Health Partnership, Dr Moeti highlighted China as an example of a developing country that has been able to transform its economy to lift millions out of poverty. She urged China, African countries and other fast-growing economies in the global south to widely share the effective policies and practices that have contributed to their remarkable progress towards the MDG targets.

The Second Ministerial Forum on China-Africa Health Development brought together African health ministers, Chinese officials and heads of international organizations to discuss the future of China-Africa health cooperation under the theme: "Promoting the availability of healthcare service in Africa, Improving China-Africa's Cooperation in Public Health in post-Ebola era.

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For more information, please contact: 

Collins Boakye-Agyemang, + 472413 9420 E-mail: Boakyeagyemangc [at] who.int