South-East Asia regional parliamentarian's meeting: a renewed commitment to women's, children's and adolescent's health

Overview

The regional meeting of parliamentarians was organized to enhance political commitment and engagement of Parliamentarians for operationalizing Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ health (2016- 2030) with a focus on ending preventable maternal, newborn and child mortality in the Region.

The meeting was inaugurated by Honorable Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Smt. Anupriya Patel. In her inaugural speech she stressed that addressing the health and wellbeing of women, children and adolescents is not only crucial for India but also for our neighboring countries in the SouthEast Asia Region. She acknowledged the role of WHO and partners for providing support and working together with national governments towards their pursuit of improving health of mothers, children and adolescents.

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of the WHO South-East Asia Region in her address stated that “The health of women, children and adolescents is critical to sustainable development –economic as well as social development. This population should be at the center of our efforts to achieve universal health coverage – with quality health care provided to everyone, everywhere,” (see annex for full address). The Regional Director also said that the parliamentarians, who represent all sections of the society and cut across all political formations, have the much-needed influence in countries to make this happen.