First WHO neglected tropical diseases global partners meeting
The World Health Organization (WHO) and its key partners will meet in Geneva from 19 - 20 April for the 1st WHO Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Global Meeting of Partners, to initiate talks aimed at developing a global plan of action against these diseases, which affect more than one billion people - 1/6 of the world's population.
Highlights of the event include:
- Signing of landmark multi-million dollar collaboration with pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA
- Commitment of football star Samuel Eto'o to the fight against sleeping sickness and other NTDs.
WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan will open the meeting. High-level attendees include the President of Burkina Faso, other senior political figures, health ministers from developing and developed countries, representatives from various NTD organizations worldwide and from leading pharmaceutical companies.
For journalists
WHAT: Media can attend all or part of this meeting from the media gallery of the WHO Executive Boardroom. There are also three specific media events during the course of the meeting with the date and time described below.
WHO: WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan will open the meeting. High-level attendees include: His Excellency Mr Blaise Compaoré, President of Burkina Faso; Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, Vice-President of Tanzania; health ministers from developing and developed countries; His Royal Highness Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Saud of Saudi Arabia; Madame Hashimoto (wife of the late Prime Minister of Japan); NTD organizations worldwide; representatives of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, and the international football star, Samuel Eto'o from FC Barcelona.
WHEN: 9:00 am on Thursday 19 April 2007, through Friday 20 April 2007.
MEDIA EVENTS
Photo Opportunity with Samuel Eto'o and the children of WHO staff
Where: Staircase outside the Executive Boardroom
When: 19 April, 10h30
Photo Opportunity and Media Availability
WHO and Merck KGaA (Germany) sign agreement
Where: India Room (to the left of the Executive Boardroom)
When: 19 April, 12h45
The WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, will be signing this agreement with Merck KGaA CEO, Mr Elmar Schnee. Both will make some opening remarks before the signature.
Press briefing with key meeting participants
Where: WHO Library meeting room
When: 19 April, 13h30-14h15
Assistant Director General of Communicable Diseases (ADG/CDS), Dr David L. Heymann will be present, along with Dr Lorenzo Savioli, Director of the Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases, the Vice-President of Tanzania, Health Ministers of Egypt and Uganda, and football player Samuel Eto'o. The opening remarks will be given by ADG/CDS.
Media Registration
Journalists who are accredited with the UN Palais des Nations do not require additional accreditation. Other journalists who wish to cover the meeting should apply to the Communication Department at the World Health Organization. To do this, should send a fax to +41 22 791 4858 or email mediainquiries@who.int requesting accreditation, along with a letter signed by their editor indicating the reason for accreditation, the dates for which the accreditation is required and a photocopy of media credentials. Accreditation badges will be available to journalists at the main entrance of the WHO on Thursday 19 April at 8:00.
Facilities for Media
Journalists will have a working space in the WHO Library. The entire library has been closed off to WHO Staff for the purpose of making a work area for the journalists attending the media events on 19 April.
Video for Broadcasters
For information on broadcast, including please contact Jean-Marc Glinz email: glinzj@who.int; +41 22 791 3924 or mobile +41 79 475 5515.