The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, yesterday received the President of the International Council Nurses (ICN), Dr Hiroko Manima, at the Durban’s International Airport yesterday (21 June 2009, Sunday) who will be presiding over the 24th Quadrennial Congress to be held in Durban from the 29 June to 4 July 2009 under the theme: “Leading change: Building healthier nations”. Around 6 000 delegates (2 500 from KwaZulu-Natal) from all over the world will converge at the Chief Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre for the first in Africa ICN Congress to discuss ways to improve the nursing profession in an era of a fast changing disease profile.
Receiving the President of the ICN, Dr Dhlomo said, “It is our honour to welcome you to our province and we hope you will enjoy your stay in the sunny city of our province. We are delighted that it was under your leadership that you chose our country for this important congress and for that you shall receive all the support you need. It is also our belief that this congress has a significant bearing in improving health care delivery. The medical profession as a whole is fast changing and those in the profession need to, from time to time share ideas and knowledge in dealing with the diseases of the time.”
On her arrival, Dr Manima, asked, “Is this winter in Durban?” surprised by the warm and sunny weather. She continued to say, “This is my second time in South Africa, but the first time in Durban. It has been my dream to bring the congress of nurses to the continent and South Africa having a very large affiliate in the Democratic Nurses Congress of South Africa (DENOSA) with around 70 000 members, we had to bring it to South Africa. I hope we will all enjoy the congress and I already feel that the delegates from around the world will feel the warmth that I already feel. I am glad for the support shown by the government and I thank Dr Dhlomo for his presence here to receive me and I have learnt that he is my alumina. Thank you!”
The ICN Congress will officially be opened by the State President, Dr J G Zuma, on 29 June 2009 and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Z L Mkhize, will also be in attendance. Journalists and members of the press are invited to attend all proceedings and are requested to register (registration form attached).
For more information contact:
Chris Maxon
Department of Health
Cell: 083 285 0567
Ms Siphokazi Phillip
DENOSA
Cell: 082 776 0964
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
22 June 2009
Source: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kznhealth.gov.za)
