From October 30 to November 2, 2023, the heart of New Delhi bore witness to a crucial gathering of health ministers and senior officials from WHO’s South-East Asia member nations. This annual meeting, known as the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee, was dedicated to addressing health concerns and determining the future leaders of the South-East Asia Health initiatives. During the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee, a diverse array of critical health initiatives were discussed, such as strategies for progressing towards universal healthcare, with a notable emphasis on strengthening primary health care. Additionally, in light of previous health emergencies such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the region has been actively working to strengthen its readiness and response capabilities, aiming for a more resilient healthcare system.
Even more pivotal, however, was the discussion surrounding the two candidates poised to spearhead these critical and urgent healthcare initiatives – Saima Wazed, the nominee from Bangladesh, and Shambhu Prasad Acharya, the nominee representing Nepal. Saima Wazed is the daughter of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who is most notably known for her work with autism. Shambhu Prasad Acharya had served at the WHO in Geneva since 1999 and is widely respected for his extensive experience and impressive credentials (Laskar). The member countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste, and the decision will be made via an anonymous ballot of these participating countries between October 30th, 2023, and November 2rd, 2023. However, as it currently stands, Bangladesh, and their nominee Saia Wazed, are the favorites – garnering votes from a majority of the member countries of the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee. And although an anonymous tally will decide the outcome of the election, several prominent countries, such as India, have publicly demonstrated their support for Bangladesh and Saima Wazed to secure the position as the next WHO Regional Director of the region of Southeast Asia.
Bangladesh candidate Saima Wazed (center) pictured with United States President Joe Biden (left) and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (right). Source: https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/146489
The 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee stands as a pivotal moment for the Southeast Asia region, where critical health initiatives were discussed and future leaders for the region’s health endeavors were considered. The two nominees, Saima Wazed and Shambhu Prasad Acharya, are to potentially lead these initiatives to tackle several concerning health issues in the region, such as the staggering number of individuals with hypertension and type II diabetes, as well as neglected tropical diseases, HIV, and other prominent diseases in regions such as Thailand and Bangladesh (Perappadan). The winner of the election will serve a five-year term as Southeast Asia’s WHO Regional Director.
Sources:
Perappadan, Bindu Shajan. “Who Southeast Asia Members to Meet to Nominate Its Regional Director, to Discuss Health Issues.” The Hindu, 28 Oct. 2023, www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/delhi-meet-to-nominate-next-who-regional-director-for-south-east-asia/article67469936.ece.
Laskar, Rezaul. “Elections for Key Who Post Turns into Nepal vs Bangladesh. How India Will Vote.” Hindustan Times, 13 Oct. 2023, www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/election-for-top-who-post-in-south-asia-generates-high-pitched-campaign-101697207367396.html.