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Published on 21 May 21, 2023 / Public health

Strengthening healthcare systems: Leem and OIF join forces

20230521-LEEM-Francophonie

Geneva, 21 May 2023 - Ahead of the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, the  LEEM, a professional organisation for French pharmaceutical companies, and the International Organisation of the Francophonie co-organised a morning of exchanges on the theme of strengthening healthcare systems.

Health ministers from French-speaking countries in Geneva for the 23rd meeting organised by LEEM and the Francophonie.

The theme of the 25th edition of this annual meeting, attended by representatives of African states, the WHO, the OIF, pharmaceutical companies and civil society, was: "Strengthening healthcare systems: from urgency to trust".

 

Keynote speakers included Mr. Philippe Lamoureux, Chief Executive of LEEM, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO (by video-conference), H.E. Mr. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and current Chairman of the African Union (by video-conference), H.E. Mr. Henri Monceau, Permanent Representative of the OIF to the United Nations in Geneva, H.E. Mr. Firas Abiad, Minister of Health of Lebanon and Dr. Michel Sidibé, Special Envoy of the African Union for the African Medicines Agency (AMA).

 

Speakers reaffirmed the commitment of their respective organisations and countries to the fight against substandard and falsified medical products (SFMP). Particular emphasis was placed on the progress made in setting up the WADA, and the importance of genomic research in Africa being placed at the heart of political and scientific priorities.

 

This was followed by a round table on access to primary healthcare, access to treatment, universal health coverage and preparedness for future pandemics, featuring Dr Samuel Roger Kamba Mulanda, Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Dr Marie Khemesse Ngom Ndiaye, Minister of Health of Senegal; Pr Jérôme Salomon, subChief Executive for universal health coverage and communicable and non-communicable diseases at the WHO; Dr Karim Bendhaou, Chairman of the Africa Management Board at Merck; and Mr. Maturin Tchoumi, Director of Africa at Roche - Pharma International. Maturin Tchoumi, Africa Director, Roche - Pharma International.

 

The Lomé Initiative  was represented by Prof. Moustafa Mijiyawa, Togo's Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Access to Healthcare, and Mr. Richard Amalvy and Mr. Cédric Otse Mawandza, respectively Chief Executive and Head of Mission of the Brazzaville Foundation.

From right to left: Dr. Benjamin Hounkpatin, Benin Minister of Health, Pr. Moustafa Mijiyawa, Togo Minister of Health, Mr. Richard Amalvy, Chief Executive of the Brazzaville Foundation, Dr. Michel Sidibe, African Union Special Envoy for the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and Mr. Abdoul Deng, African Medicines Agency Advisor, © Brazzaville Foundation.