World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the Maldives for its achievements in the health sector.
The Regional Director for South East Asia Region of WHO, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh praised Maldives while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 70th Session of World Health Organization (WHO) South East Asia Regional Committee, which began in Maldives. She praised the Maldives for its achievements in the health sector.
The 70th Session of World Health Organization (WHO) South East Asia Regional Committee was inaugurated by Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. Mohamed Shainee, who attended the event as the special envoy of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Speaking as the chief guest of the ceremony, held at Paradise Island Resort on Wednesday morning, Fisheries Minister Dr. Shainee highlighted the transformative health development policies of the government.
Speaking at the opening of the WHO SEARO committee, Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim noted the immense assistance provided by WHO to the Maldives and expressed gratitude for the continued support from the organization to further enhance the health sector of Maldives.
Male' Declaration to be adopted during the SEARO committee would be focused combating health related issues caused by climate change, Minister Nazim noted during his remarks. The Minister highlighted that health expenditure by the government has increased significantly, resulting in enormous advancements in the sector. He also spoke on the key issues, building health systems resilient to climate change and improving access to essential medicines, which would be high on the agenda at the 70th SEARO committee meeting.
The 70th Regional Committee session of WHO South-East Asia Region, the annual governing body meeting of WHO in the Region, is being hosted by Maldives this year from September 6 to 10.
Director General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom and Regional Director, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh will address the meeting, which will also be attended by health officials from member countries and representatives of partner organisations.
Strengthening primary health care and the health workforce and progress towards universal health coverage are among other priority issues being addressed at the meeting, reflecting the Region's drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal for health. The focus of the meeting will be on climate change on how to build health systems' resilience to climate change.