WHO South-East Asia Health Ministers Meet in New Delhi
Health ministers and officials from the WHO South-East Asia Region are gathering in New Delhi next week to discuss important public health priorities. This region, home to a quarter of the world’s population, faces challenges with preventable and treatable diseases.
77th Regional Committee Session
The 77th Regional Committee Session of WHO South-East Asia is the annual meeting of WHO’s governing body in the region. It will be attended by health ministers, officials, and representatives from global and regional partner organizations. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Regional Director Saima Wazed will also be present.
Key Discussions
A ministerial round table will focus on adolescent-responsive health systems, addressing the needs of this group, which makes up 27% of the region’s population. The committee will review progress towards universal health coverage and health-related Sustainable Development Goals. Discussions will also cover the expansion of the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund, established in 2008 to support emergency responses.
Progress and Resolutions
The meeting will review progress on resolutions from previous sessions, including traditional medicines, health workforce education, dengue control, and malaria elimination. Other topics include ending viral hepatitis, HIV, and STIs, and advancing health emergency preparedness.
Recognition of Achievements
Countries will be recognized for their recent advancements in public health during the session.
Doubts Revealed
WHO -: WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a special agency of the United Nations that works to improve health and well-being around the world.
South-East Asia Region -: The South-East Asia Region is a part of the world that includes countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and others. It is one of the regions that the WHO focuses on for health-related work.
Health Ministers -: Health Ministers are government officials in charge of health policies and programs in their countries. They work to make sure people have access to healthcare and stay healthy.
Public Health Priorities -: Public Health Priorities are important health issues that need attention to improve the health of people in a community or country. These can include things like preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Adolescent Health Systems -: Adolescent Health Systems are healthcare services and programs designed to meet the needs of teenagers and young people. They focus on issues like mental health, nutrition, and education.
Universal Health Coverage -: Universal Health Coverage means that everyone has access to the health services they need without financial hardship. It aims to ensure that all people can get the care they need.
South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund -: The South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund is a special fund to help countries in the region respond to health emergencies like disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
Traditional Medicines -: Traditional Medicines are healing practices and treatments that have been used for centuries in different cultures. In India, this includes Ayurveda and other ancient systems of medicine.
Disease Control -: Disease Control involves efforts to prevent and manage diseases to reduce their impact on people. This can include vaccinations, health education, and sanitation measures.