USAID's Bureau for Global Health (GH) and AFR are proud to introduce the 2008 AFR Health Managers’ SOTA Meeting, focusing on Realism and Optimism in a Challenging Environment.

The SOTA is taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is an opportunity for USAID PHN staff to obtain critical technical, programmatic, and other updates. It also provides a forum for exchange of information and ideas with colleagues in other Missions and USAID/Washington.

The SOTA will provide participants opportunities to build skills and increase knowledge on scientific issues, policies, and current programming trends as well as opportunities for sharing lessons learned with key experts. Topics have been selected based on the results of a survey of staff in the field and Washington and include key areas such as maternal and newborn health, private sector initiatives, family planning, health financing, presidential initiatives, infectious diseases, pharmaceutical management, partnerships, gender, compliance, human resources, and management. Participants will also receive important updates on current and emerging Agency policy development, procedures, and processes.

Meetings will be conducted using plenary, learning laboratory, and “mini-university” formats. In addition, “open space” will be provided for participants to have an opportunity to discuss topics of specialized interest and share best practices.

As a result of attending the SOTA, participants will:

• Increase their applicable knowledge on critical scientific programmatic developments in population and health and capture new state-of-the-art practices in the AFR region.
• Exchange ideas and information about program experiences between Missions using participatory learning platforms and forge relationships between Missions for ongoing dialogue.
• Discuss and share reactions to shifting priorities in Agency policies, strategies, and programs relevant to USAID PHN offices in the AFR region.
• Convey priority issues of concern and needs of support to USAID/Washington and other field Missions.

We will be in contact with many of you about the specifics of the meeting, including participation, presentations, panels, and discussion groups. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance.

Visit the USAID Global Health Intranet for specific details on the meeting, agenda, dates/schedule, hotel accommodations, and check-in.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you at the meeting.

Sincerely,
AFR and GH Planning Team