Dr Aaron Motsoaledi arrived in Vietnam yesterday, 3 May 2010 in preparation for the Stop TB Partnership board meeting taking place between 4 and 5 May 2010 here in Hanoi. Immediately upon arrival the Minister received a briefing from the South African Ambassador Mr RS Moloi on the state of healthcare in the country.
The Minister further had informal meetings with the Chairperson and Executive Director of the Stop TB Coordinating Board, who also gave an update regarding the meeting and expressed their pleasure in that the Minister has taken it up on himself to attend this meeting which is the first since his nomination to the board.
The Minister expressed his word of gratitude, since South Africa's membership to this Coordinating Board is by virtue of its status as one of the High Burden TB countries in the world.
"We feel humbled and honoured by the invitation to serve on the STOP TB Partnership Coordinating Board. We recognise the important work that the Partnership has embarked on since its inception in 2001. We recognise the successes enjoyed by the world in the fight against TB, not least, due to the contributions made by amongst others, this Partnership" said Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
The board meeting was today officially opened by the Honourable Vice Prime Minister of the Socialist’s Republic of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Thien Nhan.
The Minister will today also use this opportunity to meet with his counterpart, Dr Nguyen Qouc Trieu, the Minister of Health of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, to share experiences in the delivery of healthcare services.
The meeting is attended by Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Health and/or Social Welfare on the Coordinating Board, especially those present today are Prof Kyaw Myint, Minister of Health, Myanmar Dr Meliton Arce Rodriguez, Deputy Minister of Health, Peru.
Issued by: Department of Health
4 May 2010
