Rising for an equal and healthy future in Africa through volunteerism
The Africa Women Health Champions initiative is a partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, shares her reflections as we approach the two-year anniversary of the initiative.
In 2020, WHO and UNV joined forces with the aim of recruiting 100 women to improve people’s health and well-being on the continent, while also promoting gender equality in Africa.
Thanks to this initiative, 77 UN Volunteer Health Champions are actively participating in the work of the World Health Organization (WHO). I am particularly appreciative of their actions during the COVID-19 response and other emergencies in the Africa Region. With diverse skill sets and competencies, they are also helping us sustain gains made in terms of our health priorities.