The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated its World Health Day last April 7 with the theme "Combat Drug Resistance . No action today, no cure tomorrow.'
Department Of Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona gave the welcome remarks to the more than 200 participants from different agencies and sectors who all gave their commitment to help fulfill WHO six-point policy package to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Soe Nyunt-U , WHO Country Representative , unveiled the six-point policy package and issued a call for action , emphasizing the need for “urgent and consolidated efforts to avoid regressing to the pre-antibiotic era.”
In her video statement, WHO Director General Margaret Chan urged everyone especially the government and its regulatory system to use the policy package to get to the right track quickly, saying “No action today means no cure tomorrow. At a time of multiple calamities in the world, we cannot allow the loss of essential medicines – essential cures for many millions of people – to become the next global crisis.”
WHO Western Pacific Regional Office Dr Dean Shuey presented the global and regional situation while Dr Esperanza Espino of RITM gave the Philippine perspective. The other presentors were : Dr Vincent Balanag of PHILCAT, Dr Charmian Hufano of RITM. While the responders were: NEC Director Eric Tayag, Dr Regina Berba of PHICS, Dr Joven Tanchuco of PHAP and Mr Tomas Marcelo Agana III, president of Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries. .
Dr Armando Crisostomo and Dr Gene Solante were the Masters of Ceremony.