WHO - World Health Organization Regional Office for The Western Pacific
WHO - World Health Organization Regional Office for The Western Pacific
10/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2024 20:45
Address by and report of the Regional Director l 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific
Madam Chairperson, Honourable Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown;
Honourable ministers,
Representatives from Member States and development partners,
WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Li Ailan,
Ladies and gentlemen:
Magandang Umaga and Good morning to you all!
It is with great joy and heartfelt warmth, that I welcome you, to the 75th session, of the World Health Organization Regional Committee Meeting, for the Western Pacific.
I am deeply grateful for your presence and participation.
I would like to express our gratitude, to the outgoing chair -Dr Isham Jaafar - for your leadership and friendship.
You have been an incredible support to our Region, making a significant impact in serving our families and communities! And I thank you, my brother.
And my congratulations and sincere thanks to our incoming Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson our rapporteurs for agreeing to serve in these important roles.
I look forward to working with you this week.
As you all know, this is my first Regional Committee Meeting as Regional Director.
I am excited and honoured to be here with you today, as the first Regional Director from the Pacific.
The Regional Committee should be the platform that we utilize to work together, to sharpen our focus on what really matters.
And that is, improving the health of the people of our Region.
In my first nine months as Regional Director, I have visited 22 countries and areas, and experienced firsthand our diversity, and I have witnessed our realities on the ground.
I have noticed in all these travels that our Region, has a distinct flair on innovative public health.
This is very much intertwined with our rich cultural heritage and tradition.
And a very good reason to believe, that our heritage is the greatest source of our strength, as we confront the significant health threats of our time.
I have been inspired by the amazing work of our frontline health workers, across our Region.
No matter if they are in big cities, remote islands or rural communities.
They are all dedicatedly and selflessly helping our people.
I have had the opportunity to listen to Health Ministers, most of whom are here with us today.
Our senior leaders in health, those in foreign affairs and finance, as well as with partners and experts from various sectors.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone, who took the time to speak with me, for your trust and your support.
I also greatly enjoyed interacting with our WHO colleagues in our country offices.
About 60% of the WHO workforce, is based in our country offices.
I am very proud of all of them and the work that they do.
I was particularly impressed by the passion and commitment of our staff, to serve you, our Member States.
And for those I have not yet met, I look forward to meeting you all soon.
Experiencing firsthand the Region's rich diversity has truly reaffirmed my core belief that public health revolves around local context and local solutions.
In our Region, "one size fits all" simply does not work.
However, there are several health challenges that are common, across countries and areas in our Region.
We are all affected by the climate crisis, breakdown of the social fabric, vulnerability of our systems for healthy foods, safe water and reliable energy, as well as demographic ageing and health inequities.
This is true across the Region - from mega cities to remote atolls
But the essence of connection, and shared experiences binds us all.
We also share similar priorities.
They include achieving universal health coverage; ensuring preparedness and resilience for emergencies and the climate crisis; and having inclusive systems for everyone in our communities, including members of the LGBTQI+ and persons with disabilities.
Though at times we face immense challenges, the Western Pacific Region remains relentless, in our pursuit of better health and wellbeing for all.
Every day, we become stronger, wiser and more determined to make a difference.
You will see this for yourself, in the upcoming presentation of the Report of the Regional Director.
I am honoured to share some of the highlights, of WHO's work in the Western Pacific Region, from July 2023 to June 2024.
This is a transitional report, that captures our work, initially under the guidance of Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab - my biggest thanks to her - as well as what we have accomplished since I took office.
We have been carrying out, and implementing the previous vision, For the Future: Towards the Healthiest and Safest Region.
It is important that we continue to build on its legacy.
We all gained experience and learned about the vulnerability of our health systems, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building on the lessons that we've learned, we have refined our approach, and crafted a post-pandemic vision, for the work of WHO with Member States and partners, which I will share in detail later.
The first 100 days of my term were spent addressing serious organizational issues, as requested by Member States.
I was seriously concerned about the findings of a staff survey, which revealed that:
- One in five members of our workforce, reported having suffered harassment or psychological abuse.
- One in two, reported experiencing discrimination.
- Only a third of our colleagues, who faced bullying or abuse, felt comfortable enough to report their experiences and seek help within WHO.
I immediately launched the 'Healing Hearts' initiative, with the Director of Programme Management.
Using a framework of trauma-informed workplaces, we are building workforce capacity for resilience and developing social support spaces -such as small groups for arts, music, and sports, among others.
By January 2025, we anticipate concluding the Healing Hearts initiative, and putting in place, a renewed Workplace Culture Unit, that will continue to carry out initiatives and monitor impact.
I will continue to have an open-door policy, and hold monthly feedback sessions, with General Service Staff, who are the backbone of our work.
Efforts to foster a culture of respect, trust and solidarity, are some of the best investments we can make - that is what we all deserve. A happier and healthier workforce can better support and serve our Member States.
In addition, we are reshaping workstreams in the Regional Office, ensuring minimal disruptions, with a focus on sensible, cross-cutting solutions, that are fit for integrated problem-solving.
We are putting the right people in the right places, to achieve results in the countries we serve.
Further, these changes are being carried out, in line with the global organizational changes.
In fact, the Western Pacific Region is the only one of six Regional Offices, to be fully aligned, with WHO's global transformation agenda.
We have also been leading the implementation of recommendations, from the Action for Results Group.
We were the first WHO region to sign, the enhanced Delegation of Authority.
Now, WHO country offices in the Western Pacific, are more empowered to respond effectively to our Member States requests.
This Region is also leading the implementation, of the Core Predictable Country Presence.
We have already hired 74% of the recommended staffing, who are reinforcing the capacity of our country offices.
In addition, we have taken swift action, to put into practice, the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy, since its introduction last year.
Several efforts have been revitalized, to address the severe impacts, of what is now commonly called the "climate crisis".
This crisis has disproportionately affected, the people of the Western Pacific Region.
Efforts at the WHO Asia Pacific Centre for Health and Environment, have been intensified under the leadership of the Director of Programme Management.
In close coordination with partners, there is work underway to elevate advocacy and action, focusing on Small Island Developing States, coastal communities and more than 2000 urban centres and cities, across the Region.
Our technical directors will soon share, highlights of the work we have been doing, in collaboration with our country offices.
The heads of our country offices are also here with us this week.
But first, I would like to highlight some of the achievements, starting with our congratulations for…
Cook Islands… which earlier this year, prohibited the manufacture of tobacco products, on their home soil;
China… which has imposed excise taxes on e-cigarettes; and
the Lao People's Democratic Republic…for becoming the fourth country in the Region, to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.
In October 2023, we also celebrated, the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the Lao PDR.
I recently visited an outstanding model, for primary health care in the Philippines, called the Better Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centre and was greatly impressed with the innovation.
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and most Pacific Island countries have just finished their new country cooperation strategies - which are crucial steps, towards anchoring our work, with long-term collaborative and evidence-based programming.
And we also celebrate today, another historic achievement with Viet Nam's elimination of trachoma, as a public health problem.
Truly, the diversity and resilience of the Western Pacific - and the commitment of the WHO workforce to serve our Member States - is inspiring.
Every morning when I wake up, I find more reasons to be encouraged, by the promise and potential of this Region.
As Helen Keller put it: Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now turn to our directors, to share the important work they have been doing, together with their teams, to deliver on WHO commitments to you, our Member States.
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Honourable ministers, distinguished delegates…
As we heard from the presentations of the technical directors, it has been a very busy but a very productive year.
I am grateful for the spirit of collaboration that you, our Member States, exemplify.
It is my hope that the wealth of knowledge from this Region can benefit other regions globally.
We are already working on ways to increase our contributions to global health.
We are leveraging more opportunities with WHO collaborating centres, and looking for ways to maximize the impact of our geographically dispersed offices.
We also aim to showcase our work, through the Director-General's Awards for Global Health.
Rest assured, we will continue to find ways, to champion our work in this Region.
Over the past nine months, you have warmly welcomed me into your communities.
And I tell you, I have been listening intently.
To ensure we got our vision right, we first assembled an Integrated Transition Team, made up of senior advisors from our Member States, including representatives from China, Fiji, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and Tonga, as well as Mr Blair Exell and Mr Sean Lane of Australia.
And Dr Suzuki Yasuhiro of Japan, who are actually here with us today.
The Integrated Transition Team, in collaboration with WHO staff, systematically organized our ideas based on feedback from decision-makers, health workers, and our communities.
Successive drafts of the vision were then presented to you, our Member States, through three different consultations, with additional input from our expert collaborating centres across our Region.
What you see in front of you is the outcome of this enriching process.
The document presented to this Regional Committee captures a shared vision.
As such, it is a work in progress that we must be ready to revisit over the next five years, so that we can address emerging issues and act on new ideas or opportunities in a timely manner.
The vision emphasizes the critical role of families, communities and the whole of society in achieving health for all.
The vision document is entitled: Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029).
In my village we often say, "You cannot get to where you want to go without acknowledging where you have come from."
Before I share with you the details of this vision, please allow me to show you where I come from.
(Video is played)
The act of coming together to weave a mat, is known as "Tou Lalanga."
It is a communal activity, never done in isolation.
Throughout Asia and the Pacific… families, and communities weave, as part of tradition.
Mats in particular, hold a significant place for the cultures of this Region.
Many of our people are born on mats, our children play on mats, youngsters study on mats, elders talanoa and discuss issues on mats, we tell our stories while weaving mats, and people are wrapped in mats when they pass on.
Indeed, they are the foundation upon which we celebrate beginnings, nurture growth and honour endings - just like health - mats form a crucial part of the foundation for every stage of our journey, from womb to tomb.
Therefore, weaving a mat symbolizes the importance of collective action to improve health and save lives in the Western Pacific.
Indeed, this vision is a collective undertaking. We are living in a time of uncertainty - with a changing planet, ongoing conflicts, a fragile global economy, challenges to food systems and other supply chains, and the speed and spread of misinformation, to name a few.
In this context, it is essential that we must come together., Health, is, a, collective effort, especially when faced with such significant challenges.
Member States' priorities are organized into workstreams, represented by the interwoven strands of pandanus that come together to weave a mat.
These workstreams cut across silos and enable collaborative development of ideas and talents.
The vertical strands represent actions for you, our Member States and other stakeholders, as you have seen in my video.
Let me reiterate the importance of these five vertical strands:
• Transformative primary health care for UHC
• Climate resilient health systems
• Health security
• Healthier people through the life course
• Technology and innovation
The horizontal strands on the other hand represent actions for us WHO staff, so that we are better able to deliver on the priorities in the vertical strands.
I have been asked how we will deliver this vision. It is not an easy question to answer.
To ensure we are able to make this vision a reality, we have developed a strategy that centres on two things:
First, we will accelerate our progress in areas where we already excel, focusing on high priority aspects of your national health plans. By doing so, we can make a significant impact and drive meaningful change.
We have 23 "acceleration points" under the vertical strands of country action.
Second, we have identified 13 different "delivery for impact" targets that will be used to measure progress over the five years.
Subsequent sessions of the Regional Committee will showcase work in countries that contribute to these acceleration points and targets.
We will also strengthen and expand our learning and development programmes to benefit more Member States, including Fellowships and the introduction of more innovative collaboration opportunities.
Delivering on this vision will require careful planning, effective leadership and ongoing commitment from all of us here in this conference hall and beyond.
I look forward to future sessions of the Regional Committee, where we can celebrate each other's hard work and success, and continue to learn from one another to make this vision a reality.
Honourable ministers, distinguished delegates: I invite you all to join us, in Tou Lalanga.
Often, the new vision gets called the "new Regional Director's vision". But, in reality, you are all co-authors of the document in your hands.
This is not just my vision. This is our collective vision.
Because at the centre of everything we do are our families…
…our communities, including our schools…
…our elders…
…our frontline health workers…
…and broader societies, including all of us who are here today.
I am grateful for all those in our families and communities who have been working to weave this mat of health so far.
So, allow me to invite you to lend your hand,
As we prepare the various strands you will bring, regardless of their imperfection.
Together, we can weave a mat that is beautiful, strong and useful for all aspects of our lives.
Like this mat that they are bringing in front of you.
I brought this with me as a gesture of gratitude, humility and commitment on my first day as Regional Director.
Papata pē, ka na'e lalanga.
This Tongan proverb means that while our efforts may not always produce a perfect result - like a mat woven with some coarse strands and spots - but it was woven.
It is still strong, still beautiful and still useful.
This vision is an ambitious endeavour, but I am very optimistic as I look around this room.
My colleagues here at WHO, health-care workers in the field, advocates in our communities, our young people and our elders, and all of you representing our Member States and partners who are here today.
Let us envision a future that is a testament to the strength of our beautiful diversity and teamwork in our Region.
You have seen my village in my video.
I recall being a barefoot child running around the beaches of my small island.
Never did I imagine becoming Tonga's Minister of Health, let alone your Regional Director, standing side by side with all the global giants in public health.
This was possible because, along the way, there were those before me who opened doors, mentored and coached me.
They gave me the confidence to do more, to do better and to achieve the unimaginable.
Let us pay our tribute to those who came before us.
And let us care for those who will come after us.
There are hundreds of millions of children now and in generations to come, across our Region.
It is our responsibility to ensure that they enjoy the highest attainable standard of health and well-being.
We just cannot fail them.
Ministers, representatives of Member States, let us all work together in building a world where no barefoot children, looking out at the rising sea, need to worry about their health, or the health of their family and their community.
Please, let us come together to weave a safer, and healthier future that we, can all, be proud of.
I thank you all.