The 7th edition of the WHO Technical Taskforce (TTF) took place with the goal of leading and coordinating the implementation of the WHO Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Road Map, globally and regionally, by providing a forum for technical exchange and cooperation on meningitis and Road Map related activities.
Dr Tedros, WHO Director-General, and Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director, Health Emergencies Programme at WHO, joined the meeting, and took the opportunity to acknowledge the life-long contributions of Professor James Stuart to meningococcal disease, and his role in supporting WHO in the development and implementation of the Defeating Meningitis – Global Road Map.
The meeting was chaired by Professor Brian Greenwood (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine - UK) and Professor Samba Sow (Centre for Vaccine Development - Mali). Some 40 Members and WHO staff discussed global updates, regional and country implementation, operationalizing country support, the investment case, resource mobilization and communication activities.
The Technical Taskforce (TTF) plays an essential role under the general authority of WHO, specifically it serves to:
- Lead and coordinate designated activities in the Road Map, while creating links and fostering synergies with complementary initiatives;
- Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Road Map, and propose strategic adjustments accordingly and as needed;
- Share knowledge and information, and help identify key stakeholders at global and regional levels;
- Increase the visibility of meningitis as an important global public health problem and contribute to mobilize resources to support the implementation of the Road Map at national, regional, and global levels; and
- Liaise with and seek support from the Strategy Support Group, composed of representatives of global and regional level donors, ministries of health and civil society organizations, to achieve the road map objectives, in line with the resolution and the Mission of the Organization.
More information about the Defeating Meningitis initiative can be found here.