The Chairman of UN’s High-level Panel on the Global Response to Health Crisis, President Jakaya Kikwete, on Monday held talks here with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
This was the first time they met since the UN Chief appointed him to chair the panel, whose other members are from Brazil, Switzerland, Indonesia, Botswana and USA.
Both President Kikwete and Ban Ki-moon reviewed the terms of reference of the panel. It is mandated to come up with recommendations to strengthen national and international systems to prevent as well as manage future health crises.
This takes into account lessons learnt from responses to the outbreak of Ebola virus.
In carrying out its work, the panel will undertake a wide range of consultations. They include those with representatives from affected countries and communities, the UN system, multilateral and bilateral financial institutions as well as regional development banks.
Others are non-governmental organisations, countries supporting the response effort, member states, health care providers, academic and research institutions, the private sector and other experts.
The panel will hold its first meeting in early May and expects to submit its final report by the end of the year to the UN Secretary General. He will then submit it to the General Assembly and undertake further action as appropriate.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
