78th WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia to begin in Colombo Today (13)

COLOMBO (News 1st): The 78th WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia begins in Colombo today.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (GEH-BRAY-OH-SUS), will attend the session as the chief guest.

Dr. Tedros arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday to participate in the Regional Committee meeting. 

He was received at the Bandaranaike International Airport by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

Also attending the sessions are WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, Dr. Catharina Boehme, along with several other WHO experts.

Health Ministers and representatives from eight countries are expected to take part in the discussions.

The session aims to develop the region’s health policy framework for the coming years. 

Key topics under discussion include promoting healthy ageing through strong primary healthcare, and strengthening efforts against tobacco consumption.

Health Ministers and senior officials from member states are also expected to hold extensive discussions on expanding the South and South-East Asian Regional Health Emergency Fund and accelerating action against antimicrobial resistance.

During the session, key resolutions on major public health issues will be adopted. 

The conference also aims to renew commitments to promote, deliver, and safeguard health and well-being for all people, and to revive progress toward health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

The 78th WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia will conclude the day after tomorrow.