Minister hopes to see more discussions on ‘One Health Strategies’

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PUTRAJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai wants more discussions on the ‘One Health Strategies’ during the 61st session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific Region meeting, which started here yesterday.

He said such discussions would ensure universal access to health care amongst the people, and also implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, especially with regard to issues of cross-border communicable diseases.

Describing this year’s session as particularly significant, Liow said it provided an opportunity for the members to examine the responses and effects of the recent pandemic Influenza A (H1N1).

“In particular, member states now have the opportunity to share their lessons learnt with regard to the implementation of their national strategic Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plans, and suggest improvements for the future,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the meeting.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak officiated the meeting.

The five-day meeting will review WHO’s work in the region in a number of areas such as health systems, strengthening and primary health care, women’s health, healthy settings and so on.

Liow is heading the Malaysian team comprising nine delegates and seven observers.

Last Friday, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican had said that among papers to be presented during the meeting would include ‘Regional Strategy of Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Health Care’, ‘Dengue Fever Climate Change’, ‘Women Health’ and ‘Healthy Settings’.

Malaysia, which is hosting the meeting after a lapse of 16 years, had previously organised the 21st session in 1974 and the 45th session in 1994. — Bernama