2008 News and Publications

GW Africa Centers Hosts Former Mozambique President Chissano

WASHINGTON (October 15, 2008) ― Africa Center and David H. Miller Foundation host The Honorable Joaquim Alberto Chissano, the second President of Mozambique. Globally-praised champion for democracy and former president of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, discussed “The Role of Governance in Government” and highlighted the positive change across the African Continent. Chissano, who served as the second democratically-elected President of Mozambique from 1986-2005, currently chairs the Forum of Former African Heads of State and the Joaquim Chissano Foundation.

Ron Brown Series, Constituency for Africa/Africa Union/GW Africa Center Health Panel

WASHINGTON (September 26, 2008) ― African Diaspora health experts throughout the world were called upon to commit to working with their counterparts in Africa to improve healthcare delivery systems in the continent. Madame Amina Salum Ali, the Ambassador of the African Union to the United States, stated that the Initiative will work with governments, the organized private sector, academia and civil society to improve healthcare delivery systems in the continent.

The Africa Union Diaspora Health Initiative will work with Africans to work with the Diaspora to address the ongoing health workforce crisis in Africa, improve the quality of health research in the continent, and, increase the use of best practices in addressing healthcare challenges in the region.

Africa Center Roundtable with Alonzo Fulgham, Chief Operating Officer and the Executive Secretary of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

WASHINGTON (September 17, 2008) ― In an effort to bring together senior policy makers and university officials, The George Washington University (GW) Africa Center for Health and Human Security is hosting a series of roundtable discussions focusing on the integration of health and human security.

The inaugural 2008/2009 Roundtable on African Health and Human Security featured USAID Chief Operating Officer Alonzo L. Fulgham. Mr. Fulgham’s presentation focused on USAID’s strategic plan through 2012. This plan includes critical components that are of interest to GW and the broader academic community—expansion of critical language speakers by 35 percent, the expansion of agricultural productivity, and a doubling of USAID’s field presence in Africa by 2012.

With the first roundtable following the seventh anniversary of September 11th, Mr. Fulgham provided examples of how September 11th has impacted USAID and their policies abroad. Mr. Fulgham discussed the shift in policy towards the “Three D’s” (Defense, Diplomacy, and Development) and USAID’s belief that strategic foreign aid by the United States can impact the peace, security, and economic prospects of the United States. The “Three D’s” are the tools to achieve this symbiotic relationship with other countries.

Mr. Fulgham’s presentation was followed by an interactive session with the audience. Because the discussion followed Chatham House Rule, which foster candid conversation by allowing attendees to speak on their own behalf rather than represent the organization for which they work, openness and in-depth discussion characterized the session. Comments from the audience focused on the need for well-developed financial plans and increased workforce to improve the health and human security of Africans.

GWUMC Provost Williams Visits Tanzania

WASHINGTON (June 2-6, 2008) ― The Africa Center traveled to Arusha, Tanzania for the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation's annual summit. The Center organized a health panel moderated by Dr. John F. Williams, GW Provost and VP of Health Affairs and included Dr. Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija, Director of the Alakija Foundation and Dr. Krista Swanson of Infancy International. The panel discussed the importance of health infrastructure, specifically the significant role of the health workforce in the development of Africa.