North Macedonia and WHO reiterate commitment to collaborate on strengthening the health system

Dr Akeem Ali has been appointed WHO representative in North Macedonia. Speaking during a meeting where he handed over his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timco Mucunski, he said: "Handing over my credentials today signifies not just a formal start, but a renewed commitment to strengthening the health system in North Macedonia. Together with the government, WHO aims to support ongoing and future health sector reforms, ensuring a more resilient and efficient system that benefits every inhabitant. Our collaborative efforts will drive progress and enhance the well-being of all citizens".

North Macedonia and WHO have reiterated their commitment to collaborate on strengthening the country's health system to benefit all.

At this occasion, and welcoming the new WHO representative, Minister Mucunski expressed gratitude for the nearly 3-decade long partnership between the government and WHO, highlighting the decisive importance of the health sector for the future of the country.

Dr Ali referred to previous successful cooperation with the government and the results achieved, such as the adoption of the National Action Plan for Health Security, the introduction of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme, several successful immunization interventions and WHO support to the Ministry of Health in the reform of the public health care system. He also expressed his commitment to the continuous reform processes to strengthen the health system.

Current cooperation with the government aligns with official documents governing mutual cooperation, such as the Biennial Cooperation Agreement (BCA) between the Ministry of Health and WHO for 2024-2025, as well as the country's aspirations for complete European Union integration. As part of the BCA for 2024-2025, activities to reform and strengthen the health system are continuing, with an emphasis on primary health care, human resources for health, upgrading governance and leadership functions of the Ministry of Health, patient safety, mental health care, prevention of noncommunicable diseases, healthy ageing, immunization, climate change and emergency preparedness and response.

Dr Ali is a United Kingdom national, a specialist in public health and a physician with more than 30 years of experience working across the globe in low-, middle- and high-income countries. He has significant expertise in health-care reform, policy analysis, disease prevention and control, medical education and research, and strategic planning.