1st Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health

On behalf of the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, I have the privilege and pleasure of delivering these congratulatory remarks for the 1st Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health.

The event presents a unique, timely and powerful opportunity to share our experiences and learn from each other on the essential role of law in promoting and protecting health.

As the United Nation’s specialized agency for health, WHO has been a proud partner throughout our 70-year history in supporting Member States towards realizing the highest attainable standard of health.

Together, we have reached many remarkable milestones in public health.

Historically, most of these accomplishments have come in the field of communicable disease, such as polio, tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

Now, in this era of urbanization, industrialization, and globalization, our mission is rapidly evolving and expanding to cover a broader range of health domains.

As reflected in the landmark 2011 Political Statement of the High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Disease, we are tasked with the immense challenge of addressing cancers, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease, which account for 80% of deaths in our Region.

We are also committed to supporting our Member States towards achieving Universal Health Coverage through increasing the accessibility, quality, and affordability of health care services for all people.

Following from the Millennium Development Goals, the Sustainable Development Goals provide us with a continuing mandate to address the social determinants of health, including poverty, safety, and equity, as well as education and environment.

All of these issues demonstrate that health is not limited to the health sector. Health requires a multisectoral, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach that involves close and on-going coordination with all stakeholders.

The issues also demonstrate the linkages between health and law.

Whereas WHO’s contact with the government starts with the health ministry, the Organization recognizes and appreciates the fundamental role that parliamentarians play in health governance.

Far beyond the power and duty to pass health legislation, parliamentarians hold the authority to approve budgets, mobilize resources, provide oversight, and set policy direction.

As such, WHO welcomes the opportunity of this Forum to engage in meaningful dialogue with the parliamentarians and experts in this room and consider practical, effective and sustainable solutions to health through law.

Indeed, these discussions have become most urgent in light of the recent outbreaks of emerging infectious disease, such as Ebola virus disease in West Africa and MERS-CoV in the Republic of Korea.

Health security is no longer limited to national borders, making health governance a global matter that requires openness and collaboration between countries. The WHO International Health Regulations provides clear guidance for countries on outbreak response.

However, the situation in Korea illustrates the distinction between preparedness and capacity. While country had the capacity to respond, the system was not sufficiently prepared to act.

Repeating the lessons from SARS in 2005, we are reminded that even a developed health system can be caught by surprise. To be ready for an emergency whenever it may strike, preparedness must be strengthened during times of peace.

To ensure resilience, the system must be supported by the development and implementation of a proper legal framework for monitoring, reporting, preventing, and controlling infectious disease.

Health security not only impacts health and health systems but also holds profound legal, political, economic, and social implications, including the people’s trust in their governments.

Congratulations to the Republic of Korea for the inspiration and courage in initiating this process. Other countries are now encouraged to share the responsibility and carry the initiative into the future.

The World Health Organization pledges full support and technical assistance.