The World Health Organization (WHO) has commenced the 77th session of the Regional Committee for Southeast Asia (RC77) in New Delhi.
Taking place from October 7 to 9, the event brings together health ministers, delegates, and public health officials from the 11 member countries of the Southeast Asia Region.
As these nations convene, critical discussions on improving regional health systems and addressing emerging challenges are expected to dominate the agenda.
India’s Leadership at the Helm
India’s Minister of Health, JP Nadda, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the 77th Session, a prestigious role that underscores India’s growing influence in global public health matters.
His appointment comes at a time when the country is playing a key role in health system strengthening within the region.
In his inaugural speech, Nadda emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling global health challenges, stating, “Health transcends borders, necessitating a holistic and collaborative approach.
By learning from each other’s successes and challenges, we can enhance the resilience of health systems.”
RC77 is the annual governing body meeting of WHO for the Southeast Asia Region, which is home to over a quarter of the world’s population.
The member nations- Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste will focus on public health priorities and action plans to address the pressing health concerns affecting nearly two billion people.
Nadda’s statement set the tone for the discussions, highlighting the shared responsibility of the region’s countries in addressing global health crises.
In his words, “Let us harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and solidarity to transform the health landscape of Southeast Asia and build a healthier and brighter future for all.”
Key Challenges Facing Southeast Asia
As the Southeast Asia Region continues to confront a myriad of health challenges, the session will focus on several critical issues.
Razia Pendse, Chef de Cabinet of WHO, outlined some of the most pressing concerns, which include the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the mental health crisis, and the ongoing battle against tuberculosis (TB).
Additionally, neonatal and under-5 mortality rates remain stubbornly high, while the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens to undermine years of progress in public health.
One of the most alarming challenges is the rise of non-communicable diseases, which now account for more deaths than infectious diseases in many parts of the region.
With changing lifestyles and increased urbanization, Southeast Asia is experiencing a surge in conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, all of which contribute to NCDs.
Addressing these issues requires not only strengthening health systems but also fostering awareness about prevention and early intervention at the community level.
Pendse also highlighted the region’s vulnerability to pandemics, noting the urgent need for preparedness and response plans.
The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the critical importance of having robust health systems capable of withstanding shocks, as well as regional cooperation in sharing resources, expertise, and innovations.
A Regional Roadmap for a Healthier Future
WHO’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia, Saima Wazed, outlined the roadmap for addressing the region’s health challenges. Under her leadership, WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office (SEARO) has proposed a comprehensive technical programme with a tactical approach focusing on several key areas: pandemic preparedness, resource mobilisation, climate change, and universal health coverage.
These priorities reflect the region’s commitment to both responding to immediate health threats and laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
“The regional roadmap belongs to all our countries and all our peoples,” Wazed stated, stressing the importance of inclusive health systems. “We feel the duty to protect the weak, the vulnerable, the orphan child, the disabled, and the elderly with no family.”
Her remarks underscored the need for equity in healthcare, particularly for marginalized populations who often face barriers to accessing quality services.
One of the focal points of the session is the region’s approach to pandemic preparedness, which has gained new urgency in the wake of COVID-19.
Lessons learned from the pandemic will help shape future strategies, with an emphasis on early detection, rapid response, and strengthening supply chains for critical medical supplies.
The session will also delve into the health impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affects Southeast Asia. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing frequency of natural disasters are exacerbating health issues in the region, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt.
WHO SEARO aims to integrate climate resilience into health policies and ensure that health systems are equipped to respond to climate-related crises.
Collaborating for a Healthier Southeast Asia
The three-day session promises to be a crucial platform for member states to share their experiences, successes, and challenges in public health.
The collaborative nature of the meeting allows for the cross-pollination of ideas, particularly in areas such as emergency response, health system financing, and technological innovations.
The theme of collaboration resonated throughout the inaugural day’s discussions, with leaders like Nadda and Wazed calling for greater solidarity among Southeast Asian nations.
By pooling resources and sharing expertise, the region can accelerate progress toward its health goals, especially as it faces an evolving health landscape characterized by both emerging and long-standing challenges.
As the session progresses, member states will continue to deliberate on a range of health issues, from reducing child mortality to fighting AMR.
While the challenges are vast, the commitment displayed by the delegates suggests a hopeful future for public health in Southeast Asia.
The 77th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Southeast Asia marks an important step in the region’s journey toward building resilient health systems.
By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and equity, Southeast Asia is poised to make significant strides in improving the health and well-being of its nearly two billion people.
