8 February 2010
Programme Director: Pumzile Kedama
Surgeon General; Dr VJ Ramlakan
LOC General Medical Officer; Dr V Ramathesele
Provincial Coordinators
Ladies and Gentlemen
Allow me to take this opportunity and wish you all a Happy New and prosperous 2010. The time all of us have been raving about has arrived and we need to ensure that all systems are in place on time to deliver on our commitments to FIFA as per the bid book.
We are gathered here today to objectively assess our state of readiness as health to ensure availability of a comprehensive health and medical response on a 24hour basis for the duration of the tournament. It is therefore important for us colleagues to spend the two days carefully and critically evaluate the readiness of our sector as well as formulate time bound interventions to address whatever gaps we identify.
Recent developments in Angola, where a Togo national team was ambushed, has raised concerns both locally and internationally about the ability of the African continent to successfully plan and host a major event. While we all concede that the country has previously hosted major events like WSSD, Rugby and cricket world cups; we equally note the magnitude of the coming world cup as the biggest event ever held in our continent. Therefore it will need different approach with regards to planning and implementation and management of our activities.
Similarly, we concede that safety and medical issues in Togo cannot necessarily be comparable with our local situation, the reality is that Africa as a whole is under a microscope from a variety of interest groups. It is therefore important that safety and health matters with regards to service provision are integrated to ensure that the well being of all visitors including the teams are prioritized.
Notwithstanding the preparatory work done over the last three years, we need to demonstrate cohesion and integration of our services with SAMHS and other role players. Having considered the possible threats in our environment we had to elevate the role of SAMHS in the provision of Health and Medical services during this tournament. We have since asked them to strengthen the command and control for this event at all levels of coordination. They will be working with you in providing services in all hosting provinces to look at stadiums, training venues, match venues, PVAs and FIFA fanparks.
It is therefore expected as always that your presentations highlight how you planned to work with them so that we address whatever gaps that may exist. In terms of Command and Control they are setting up and National Health Command and Control centre that will be linked to all provincial control centres to ensure seamless flow of information for both decision making and intervention when necessary. Colleagues, we cannot leave anything to chance as all eyes will be on us that time.
I wish you all the best in your deliberations and confident that we will emerge victorious after the two days. Equally, let me indicate upfront that there is no time for long term strategies, we need to formulate solutions with timelines for any challenge identified during this session. Now is the Time "Ke Nako".