MLI Reception 2009

 

The World Health Assembly (WHA) provides an unparalleled opportunity to bring MLI country representatives together to discuss emerging opportunities and successes of MLI.  On May 20, 2009 MLI hosted the second annual MLI reception during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.  Held in a room with a scenic view of Geneva, the evening brought MLI colleagues from the five MLI Ministries of Health together with other prominent figures in the global health community.  MLI Director, Ms. Rosann Wismann, began the evening with remarks and proceeded to introduce Dr. Francis Omaswa , MLI’s Senior Advisor.  Dr. Omaswa recognized the work of the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia and Nepal before the three MLI Reproductive Health (RH) countries were formally announced. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation generously funds MLI’s work in reproductive health, and MLI was honored to have Ms. Carol Larson, President of the Packard Foundation, as its special guest.  The highlight of the evening was when Ms. Larson announced Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone as the MLI RH countries. Guests then had the opportunity to hear directly from members of the Ministry of Health in each RH country about their work with MLI on reproductive health policy reforms. Following the eloquent and often moving remarks from the speakers, guests of the reception were able to spend the remainder of the evening interacting with one another, discussing their shared work, and taking in the beautiful view of Geneva.  MLI looks forward to holding the third annual MLI Reception next year during the World Health Assembly in Geneva.