Accra (Greater Accra), 2 March '99 -

Two hundred delegates from 46 Sub-Saharan countries and other regions of the world are expected to review the implementation of the Bamako Initiative on health promotion for mothers and children. The meeting, scheduled from March 8 to 12, would be organised by the government of Mali, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). A statement issued today said it would be the first meeting of its kind since the "Declaration" was adopted in 1987, by African ministers of health in Mali. The Bamako Initiative is considered to be one of the most important approaches to health promotion, particularly for mothers and children. The statement said more than half of African countries have implemented the initiative to varying degrees. The review will aim at assessing the implementation of the Bamako Initiative and make recommendations to strengthen the performance of the health systems of various countries. "The meeting will also identify the constraints, strengths and weaknesses, assess the impact of the Initiative on the availability and accessibility of essential drugs at the local level". GNA .../