Addis Ababa, 10 April 2018 - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat received Dr. Innocent Ntaganira, who presented his letter of credence as the Head of the WHO Liaison Office to the African Union.

Following the presentation, Dr. Ntaganira conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Dr. Tedros Adhanom, WHO Director General, and Dr Matsidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, as well as exchanged views with the Chairperson of the AU Commission on opportunities for further strengthening the partnership between the World Health Organization and the African Union Commission.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission acknowledged the significant role played by the WHO through its Regional Office for Africa and cooperation with the AU Commission through the Department of Social Affairs. The Chairperson further indicated that “now is the most opportune time to take this partnership to the next level to support achievements of WHO Universal Health Coverage goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, for the benefit of the African people”.

Dr. Ntaganira expressed his appreciation for the close partnership with the AU Department for Social Affairs and the recently established Africa CDC (Center for Disease control) and shared information on efforts being done to ensure greater synergies and complementarity between the two organizations.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission pledged his strong commitment for the strengthening of Health security and health systems on the continent and offered to facilitate an in-depth discussion on the matter at one of the forthcoming AU Summits, the details of which will be worked out through the respective offices in due course.

For further information, please contact:
Mrs Christiane Yanrou-Matondo, Principal Communication Officer, Bureau of the Chairperson; E-mail: Yanrouc@africa-union.org;