Issued by: Ministry of Health (GCIS)
28 February 2001
MEDIA STATEMENT
Towards the end of March, South Africa will host the 25th Meeting of Health Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement. There are 115 member states of NAM and, as the title of the meeting indicates, in most cases national delegations will be led by the Health Minister.
The size of the gathering and the level of representation combine to make this meeting one of the most high-powered yet to take place on South African soil and the privilege of playing host stems from our country's current position as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The deliberations will take place over two days, 26 and 27 March, and the venue will be the Sandton Convention Centre in northern Johannesburg. The general theme of discussions will be: "Health, trade and development: Aligning policy for a common goal." Most member states of NAM are confronted with problems of poverty and we are united by the central concern of defining a development path that benefits the majority of our people. This common perspective will inform the Meeting of Health Ministers, as we examine the contribution of health to sustainable development and the wide-ranging measures that are required to achieve better health status.
We are keenly aware that socio-economic exclusion and inequality, in a global context as well as on a national scale, have a critical impact on the health and well-being of millions. We approach the NAM meeting with a commitment to exploring more effective South-South co-operation in order to overcome some significant obstacles to achieving good health.
The meeting is expected to conclude with the issuing of a joint declaration, the content of which will have been debated during proceedings.
Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang Minister of Health: Republic of South Africa
More information from: Jo-Anne Collinge (082 787 0202)