In The Hague

At the invitation of RHSC Co-Chair Margret Verwijk, John Skibiak visited the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he met with Paul Bekkers, Director of the Social and Institutional Development Department. Following their discussion, John gave a presentation to the Department´s Divisions of Health, and Gender/Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Those attending were extremely well-informed about the Coalition; supportive of its work; and, with the Secretariat now in place, very optimistic that it would soon be yielding tangible impacts.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics including the need for broader-based involvement in the Coalition by developing countries, the private/commercial sector, and European donors/agencies. There was also discussion about recent reports over counterfeit health supplies, the role of UNFPA in global supplies security and the prospects for greater collaboration with other global health initiatives.

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November 2006, RHSC

Category: Secretariat