Government of Benin, in collaboration with WHO co-organized a high-level leadership meeting on Buruli ulcer control and research in Cotonou from 30 March to 3 April 2009. Heads of State of Benin and Togo, the Vice President of Gabon, ministers of health, high-level delegations from endemic countries, non governmental organizations attended the meeting.
The annual meeting of the Global Buruli Ulcer Initiative (GBUI) was also held with the participation of over 300 representatives from 32 countries, grouping together policy-makers, national programme managers, scientists, representatives of NGOs, international organizations and partners.