Denosa spokesperson Asanda Fongqo said the appointment underlines the confidence the African continent has in South Africa's leaders.

"We have no doubt that Dr Tshabalala-Msimang will ensure that this programme that is mainly aimed to assist poor rural communities will achieve its objectives," he said in a statement.

The African Union Heads of State and Government, at their July 2008 Summit at Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, endorsed Tshabalala-Msimang's nomination for goodwill ambassador.

Fongqo said child health remained one of the biggest problems, especially on the African continent.

He said many children were suffering from preventable health problems such as diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria.

"Many of these children would survive if they were treated with inexpensive, effective, life saving interventions."

Fongqo said maternal health was also a problem especially in developing countries which experienced a huge number of childbirth related complications.

"We are confident that Comrade Tshabalala-Msimang, with her expertise would represent us well in the global community and deal with these challenges exceptionally," he said.

Sapa

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