Massawa — President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks with Dr. Luis G. Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa, in Massawa.

In the meeting, the WHO official lauded Eritrea's efforts to ensure basic health services, provide basic health care to mothers and children, and on its disease prevention measures. He further stated that Eritrea's achievement in the health sector offers valuable experience. In addition, Dr. Sambo assured the President that the WHO would cooperate with Eritrea in diverse health programs, especially in collaborating with the country's health colleges so as to further improve their effectiveness.

Indicating that it is one of the government's top national development strategies to expand health services in all parts of the country, President Isaias noted that encouraging achievements have already been scored in this sphere. He informed Dr. Sambo that close cooperation of the WHO towards reinforcing Eritrea's health development programs is of major significance. The President also assured him that Eritrea is prepared to make good use of the WHO's recommendations to further strengthen the health sector.

Present in the meeting was the Minister of Health, Mr. Saleh Meki.

Meanwhile, the Eritrean Minister of Health today held talks with the WHO delegation headed by the Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Luis G. Sambo. Minister Saleh Meki explained to the delegation the current activities of his ministry, the achievements registered, the challenges encountered, and the endeavors to meet these challenges.

The WHO delegation visited the Orotta Referral Hospital, the Maternal and Pediatric hospitals, and the Orotta School of Medicine in the capital, during which it received briefings by experts.