MLI Reception 2008

MLI held its first reception during the World Health Assembly to announce that Ethiopia, Mali, Nepal, Senegal and Sierra Leone had been competitively selected as MLI focus countries.  The reception was hosted by Ambassador Eckart Guth, Permanent Delegation of the European Commission and took place at his residence in Geneva. From the many proposals received in response to the call for submissions issued in early 2008, the five MLI countries were competitively selected.  The competition was open to lower and middle-income countries committed to improving the equity of health financing or to increasing harmonization and alignment of donor funds for health.  Hon. Mary Robinson, President of Realizing Rights gave opening remarks, and Ministers of Health from four of the five MLI countries were present to receive an award to recognize their commitment to strengthening their health systems. Hon. Ghebreyesus, Minister of Health of Ethiopia, expressed that “MLI provides the opportunity to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity by providing top-notch experts.”