India chaired a high-level meeting today at the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) focusing on improving health outcomes in the WHO South-East Asia Region. It also addressed the Committee A of the WHA covering Universal Health Coverage, Public Health Emergency preparedness and response, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, sustainable financing for WHO etc.
Advancing Health and Well-Being of Billions in WHO South-East Asia Region
The meeting, titled “Advancing Health and Well-Being of Billions in WHO South-East Asia Region,” brought together member states, the World Health Organization (WHO), and partner organizations to strategize on addressing key public health challenges in the region.
The meeting commenced with a video showcasing India’s “Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Mission,” which aims to expand access to universal health coverage for its citizens.
India’s Union Health Secretary highlighted the country’s success with digital health tools like CoWIN (vaccination platform) and the upcoming UWIN platform for tracking childhood immunizations.
Mr. Chandra emphasized India’s role as a “pharma capital” and its commitment to providing affordable medical solutions to countries in the Southeast Asia Region. He also showcased the innovative “BHISM cube,” a portable medical unit equipped to treat casualties in emergencies.
Member states and partners discussed the need for stronger regional collaboration on issues like vaccination campaigns, tackling non-communicable diseases, and preparing health systems for future emergencies. Additionally, discussions addressed the rising concerns of climate change, mental health issues, and an aging population.
The importance of empowering provincial and district health authorities to improve local healthcare delivery was highlighted.
The meeting at the WHA signifies India’s proactive role in promoting global health cooperation. The discussions focused on developing a collaborative approach to ensure better health outcomes for billions of people in Southeast Asia.
Discussions On Universal Health Coverage, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Antimicrobial Resistance, etc.
Chairing Committee A, which focuses on programmatic topics, India facilitated discussions on critical issues like Universal Health Coverage, pandemic preparedness, and climate change. The Health Secretary emphasized India’s commitment to global health, drawing parallels between the WHA theme (All for Health, Health for All) and the ancient Indian concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
India’s leadership and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were highlighted. The address underscored how India not only managed its domestic crisis but also embodied the spirit of global solidarity by supplying medicines and health products worldwide.
Looking ahead, the Health Secretary championed traditional public health approaches, prioritizing community engagement and preventive measures. He spoke about India’s establishment of Health & Wellness Centers aimed at educating communities and improving health outcomes.
Furthermore, India is advocating for digital health innovations as a transformative tool to achieve health equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global scale. This leadership role by India positions the country at the forefront of discussions on ensuring health for all.
