The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Motloheloa Phooko will leave for Geneva Switzerland on Friday 16 May, 2003, for the56th World Health Assembly to start on Monday to Wednesday next week.

The Health Information Officer, Mrs. Mpoetsi Mathibeli indicated that the Minister would first attend the Global Commonwealth meeting for Health Ministers on Sunday, preceding the World Health Assembly. Among issues on the World Health Assembly's agenda include the election of the new Director General for World Health Organization, as the current Director General, Dr Gro Harlem Brutdland's term is expiring. She said, others would be a follow up on the World Summit on Sustainable Development that was held last year in South Africa, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS pandemic, and pediatric diseases. At this meeting,  the framework convention of tobacco control will also  be adopted.

Dr. Phooko will be accompanied by a delegation of six government officials, comprising the Director General of Health Services, the Principal Secretary for Health and Social Welfare, the Chief Executive of LAPCA, Senior Legal Officer and other Health Professionals. The World Health Assembly is held annually in May. 191 member states are expected to participate in this summit.

15 May 2003