Distinguished representatives, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Imagine the moment disaster strikes – whether it is an outbreak, a devastating storm or a health emergency, demanding an immediate response. In that critical moment, the strength of our preparedness is not just theoretical; it is everything.
Today, we have heard compelling examples of how countries are transforming this vision into reality through the Global Health Emergency Corps. This is a fit-for-purpose, health emergency workforce that is deeply rooted in individual countries but connected on a global scale.
This is not just an idea; it is action in motion. The initiative gains momentum daily. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of partners like the Gates Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy.
Across our Region, the catalytic effect is substantial. Institutions like Australia’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC), Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), and Singapore’s Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) are not only supporting countries, but also building lasting resilience.
I am deeply grateful for these contributions, which are shaping the future of health security.
In the Western Pacific Region, we are making tangible strides. Countries and partners are:
- Strengthening the foundational emergency workforce by adopting a One Health approach, as seen in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
- Connecting surge workforce networks by bridging foundational and emergency response mechanisms, including our Region’s Emergency Medical Teams and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) partners.
- Driving leadership and investment to ensure that emergency readiness is proactive, not reactive.
At the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), we recently convened a consultation with countries in our Region to establish a regional health emergency mechanism. This mechanism is designed to strengthen operational readiness and response both between and during emergencies.
It will be formally presented at the upcoming seventy-sixth session of the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific this October.
Dear colleagues, the Western Pacific is an emergency-prone region. Last year alone, my team supported countries in responding to 72 acute events. The urgency is real, and the Global Health Emergency Corps is critical to making our Region and the world safer.
I thank you.