The President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, awarded the Presidential Order for Meritorious Service Award to WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, for her hard work and success achieved in the implementation of the health development agenda in Africa.

Dr Moeti received the award at the opening ceremony of the 73rd WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Gaborone on 28 August, 2023. This honour is awarded by the President to personalities and institutions whose contributions have stood out in the spheres of socioe-conomic development.

When presenting the award to Dr Moeti, the President of Botswana said he was very proud to have a citizen of Botswana dedicated to the betterment of humanity and making a distinguished contribution. Dr Moeti was the first woman to be elected to this position and is serving her second and final term. Over the past nine years, Dr Moeti has led a Transformation Agenda that is widely acknowledged to have improved WHO's performance on emergencies, enhancing accountability and driving progress towards Universal Health Coverage. She also led WHO's support to the COVID-19 pandemic response in Africa.

In her acceptance speech, Dr Moeti said she felt greatly honoured to receive such an award in her home town of Gaborone. She pledged to redouble her efforts, with her team, to improve the health of the African people.

She is a medical doctor and public health expert with more than 45 years of national and international experience.