Francisco Songane
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dr Francisco Songane | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Health | |
| In office 2000–2004 | |
Francisco Songane is a medical doctor and former Minister of Health of Mozambique who served from 2000 to 2004.[1] He is a recognized "champion of maternal and child health"[2] and has been "recognized both nationally and internationally for innovation and leadership" in the field of maternal and child health.[3]
Dr. Songane is medical doctor specialized in obstetrics/gynaecology and public health. His medical degree is from the University of Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo, Mozambique. He trained at St. James University Hospital in Leeds, UK. He holds a master's degree in Public Health (MPH) from Boston University and Masters of Science in Financial Economics (MS) from the University of London, UK.[4]
World Health Organization
In December 2005, Dr. Songane was named the new Director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.[5] This 'partnership' has more than 300 governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental members working to ensure the well-being of all women, infants and children.[6] In announcing his naming to the post of Director, the Medical News Today, stated that "[a]s Minister of Health of Mozambique, Dr. Songane is credited for using a partnership approach for averting the outbreak of disease during the floods of 2000 and 2001, as well as for the conclusion and operational launch of the country's health-sector strategy. He worked to introduce innovative interventions into the Mozambican health system, including Hepatitis B vaccine, trials on a potential Malaria and use of a more effective Cholera vaccine, as well as antiretroviral therapy into the public system—an example that has been shared globally."[5]
Dr. Songane has been a vocal defender of the human rights of women and children before the UN Human Rights Council[7] and at other leading international meetings.[8]