The Work of WHO in the South-East Asia Region, Report of the Regional Director, 1 January–31 December 2023

This Annual Report of the Regional Director describes the work of the World Health Organization in the South-East Asia Region from 1 January to 31 December 2023. During the year, WHO actively collaborated with ministries of health, UN Specialized Agencies, stakeholders and partners to ensure the health and well-being of the more than 2 billion people of the Region. One major event in October 2023 was the election of Saima Wazed as Regional Director by an overwhelming majority at the Seventy-sixth Session of the WHO Regional Committee in New Delhi. 

As with earlier issues, the Annual Report highlights the collective public health achievements in the Region in 2023, challenges faced, and the Regional Office’s contribution towards achieving the Organization’s strategic objectives. The significant developments in public health in each of the 11 Member States are described, as well as the progress made with the Flagship Priorities. 

This report serves as a repository of information on the current health status in countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region, home to a quarter of humankind.