Equatorial Guinea, ECCAS partner to form network to fight H1N1, HIV

Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) and the Global Viral Forecasting Initiative, along with several Central African States, have partnered with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to form a network to fight H1N1 and HIV. The purpose of the network's recent forum was to share knowledge and best practices, and to collect data and prevention procedures among military health professionals in the region.

The network stressed the importance of fighting pandemics, and to develop strategies based on principles of international collaboration. The Ministries of Defense of each member state selected a representative to represent the state and liaise on related issues with other countries in the network. Further and in coordination with GVFI, each and every defense force within the network is responsible for the gathering information and experiences on the prevention of infectious diseases.

As part of a broader effort by the government of Equatorial Guinea to improve public health for its citizens, the country's Prime Minister, Ignacio Milam Tang, met with members of the government to discuss preparations for the upcoming Sixtieth Session of the Regional Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, which is scheduled to take place in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea for the first time from August 30 to September 3.

Representatives from the country's Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Interior and Local Corporations and Transportation, Technology, Post and Telecommunications will attend the WHO Regional Committee. The event is expected to gather 45 health ministers from various African nations, as well as members and staff of the WHO. The meetings will address HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria, alcohol abuse reduction, primary health care of mother and child, and the fight against tuberculosis and other tropical diseases.