The 79th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Committee opened in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste.
The meeting, being held from Sept. 7 to 10, is attended by a Maldivian delegation led by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali.
The WHO Regional Committee meeting is a key governance forum bringing together health ministers, senior health officials and technical representatives from the 10 countries in the region to identify important health issues, discuss ways to advance health-related matters in the region and make key decisions.
At this year’s Regional Committee meeting, discussions will focus on strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers and improving access to specialised healthcare services in an equitable manner. A special roundtable discussion involving health leaders from across the region will be held on 8th September .
The meeting is also expected to adopt a resolution titled 'Dili Declaration on Human Resources for Health: Equity in Specialized Care' aimed at advancing work in this area.
Countries will also discuss key health issues affecting the region, including universal health coverage, health-related sustainable development goals, tuberculosis, medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, digital health, artificial intelligence and primary healthcare.
The meeting will also review matters related to the WHO’s upcoming World Health Assembly, programme budget, Administrative Committee and Executive Board meetings. Countries in the region will identify issues and areas they intend to raise at these upcoming meetings.
In addition, a special session of the Regional Committee will discuss the appointment of a Regional Director for the WHO South-East Asia Region. The Maldives is also scheduled to discuss the possibility of putting forward a candidate for the position of Regional Director.
On the sidelines of this year’s meeting, the Maldivian delegation is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with several countries to explore ways to strengthen the country’s health sector. These discussions will include developing human resources in the health sector, strengthening public health efforts and seeking the support needed to further advance healthcare in the Maldives.