Flags of delegate countries; sign 'Rehovoth Conference'; Mr. Otolorin of Nigeria with students; delegates from Sierra Leone, Gabon, Kenya; Mr. Abba Eban; President Shazar & Mr. Candau; Mr. Weissgal & Mr. Kah; Eban speaks; Barsilay speaks; audience.




Initials IF/VS/JH/EEH



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Background: Scientists and government ministers from 38 nations are attending a ten-day conference on health problems in developing countries, which opened in Jerusalem yesterday (Tuesday).

Mr. Abba Eban, the Israeli Foreign Minister, is the Chairman of the Continuation Committee, which began operating in August 1960. The Rehovoth organisation's principal theme is the encounter between two major movements of our times. Scientific Development and National Liberation. Its purpose is to build a bridge between them and to define the possibilities of science as an instrument for the guidance of national liberation.

This is the fourth Conference. The main topics under discussion are: Health Organisation in the Changing Society; Recruitment of Health Personnel in Developing Countries; and Adaptation of Current Knowledge to Local needs.

Population control and tropical medicine are also to be studied.

Earlier conferences covered Science, Agriculture and Finance in the new nations.

Dr. M. G. Candau, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, was scheduled to give the address which would serve as the focal point of conference thinking. Conference Chairman Mr. Abba Eban spoke of Israel's goals in his own opening address. He said they continued to be 'peace and development' and he felt it particularly significant that Israel should be the host 'so soon after the cessation of hostilities'.

The first part of the Conference opened at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem; from Friday it will continue at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovoth itself.