World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
My thanks to #Japan’s Health Vice-Minister Yasuhiro Suzuki for 🇯🇵's continued leadership on universal health coverage, including through the UHC Knowledge Hub in Tokyo that is strengthening health-finance collaboration. We agreed on the importance of @WHO continuing to #StandWithScience to deliver #HealthForAll. My ask to the Minister was to help bring the Pandemic Agreement negotiations on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex to a successful conclusion. #RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Validation is not the finish line. It’s a milestone in an ongoing journey.
Congratulations to Malaysia on its recertification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis, EMTCT.
We were delighted to recognize this triumph at our 77th Western Pacific Regional Committee, happening now in Manila.
Sustaining progress demands continued investment, strong health systems, community engagement and equitable, stigma-free care.
Let’s celebrate this success while renewing our commitment to every mother, every child, every community. #EMTCT #RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
At the ongoing WHO Western Pacific Regional Committee in Manila, we've taken the opportunity to once again congratulate Australia.
They have been certified for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
This landmark achievement reflects the harmony of many moving parts.
Sustained @ausgov political will.
Strong partnerships.
The leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
And, of course, the tireless work of public health teams and health workers.
It is a powerful reminder that lasting public health progress requires both commitment and communities. #Trachoma #RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Met with @Malaysia's Health Minister @DrDzul to discuss the ongoing Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing annex negotiations to conclude the Pandemic Agreement; @WHO's financial reforms and the importance of the increase in assessed contributions by all Member States to ensure the Organization's sustainability and independence to #StandWithScience. #RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
On the sidelines of the @WHOWPRO (Western-Pacific) Regional Committee meeting, I met with Zheng Zhe, #China's Vice Minister of the National Health Commission, to discuss the @WHO-China strategic dialogue, and negotiations on the Pandemic Agreement annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing. I reiterated WHO's commitment to the scientific process on COVID-19 origins, and asked for China's cooperation. #RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Good meeting with #Mongolia's Health Minister Batshugar Enkhbayar on the country’s health system reforms. Developments includes digital health transformation, improving access to affordable, quality medicines, and continued cooperation with @WHO on primary health care, workforce development, medicines regulation and the transition to the new national Centre for Disease Control. I thanked the Minister for Mongolia's participation in the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex negotiation. #RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
By 2050, more than two billion people worldwide will be aged 60 or older. As people live longer, it is a global imperative to ensure that those additional years are lived in health, dignity and purpose.
The Western Pacific is home to one of the world's largest and fastest-growing older populations. Countries across the Region have been at the forefront of efforts to promote healthy ageing.
Under the leadership of @RD_WPRO Saia Ma’u Piukala, the Region's shared vision of Weaving Health for All, recognizes that healthy ageing cannot be achieved by the health sector alone. It requires transforming not only health and care systems, but also the communities and environments in which people live.
I welcome the forthcoming four-year collaboration between @WHOWPRO and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, with support from the Institute of Philanthropy and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. This collaboration offers an opportunity to turn evidence into action, adapt solutions to country needs, and learn from what works across the Region. #RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
A big thank you to our @WHOPhilippines team for the warm welcome this morning, but more importantly, for a candid discussion about the challenges they face in their work and where they need support most. Their commitment to serving the people of the #Philippines and delivering #HealthForAll is truly inspiring. #ProudToBeWHO
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
It was my honour to address the @WHOWPRO Regional Committee one last time. But 10 months is still a long way to go and we can still do a lot together. So my asks for the health leaders of the region are:
1. Approve the next increase in assessed contributions at next year's World Health Assembly.
2. Consolidate the hard work we have done through the transformation, prioritization and realignment, to build a @WHO that is better positioned to serve Member States with neutrality, impartiality and integrity.
3. Engage actively in the reform of the global health architecture. Make sure it reflects the needs of this Region and puts countries at the centre.
4. Finalize negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex, so that the Pandemic Agreement can enter the ratification process and come into force.
#RC77
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Mabuhay!
It is my great pleasure to welcome our Member States, partners and colleagues to the 77th session of the WHO Western Pacific Region Regional Committee.
This week, we have an important responsibility.
To turn dialogue into decisions, and decisions into better health for our people.
This year, our thematic priorities are practical and urgent.
Artificial intelligence. Hypertension control. Immunization. Tobacco control.
Different threads, but one purpose. Stronger health systems, better protection, and health for all.
We are meeting in unpredictable times, but our Region has always demonstrated extraordinary resilience.
Like water finding its way around an obstacle, we must continue to adapt, learn and find new paths forward together.
All partners and friends not present with us in Manila are welcomed to join us online.
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
LIVE: @DrTedros’ remarks at the @WHOWPRO Regional Committee. #RC77 xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1YxNrboXW…
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Live from @WHOWPRO in Manila - it’s the 77th session of the @WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific Region - our governing body in the most populous WHO Region of all, with 2.2 billion people, over a quarter of the world population.
We have an urgent and ambitious agenda - from longstanding priorities to emerging issues impacting health and wellbeing across the life course.
Immunization. Hypertension control. Tobacco control. Artificial intelligence.
We are also discussing healthy ageing in a region that is graying quickly - as well as exploring new, more efficient ways to ensure an essential health stockpile through pooled procurement, to support countries all the more.
Join the proceedings online at who.int/westernpacific or via our @WHOWPRO @X, @YouTube, @facebook and @LinkedIn platforms.
My thanks to all our Member States for their attendance and collaboration - and to all our health partners from civil society to donors and philanthropies.
Gratitude as well to outgoing Regional Committee Chair the Hon. @AtonioDr, Minister of Health of Fiji, and Vice Chair, the Hon. Satoshi Ezoe, Senior Asst. Minister for Global Health at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of @japan, for their guidance over the past year.
And, not least, my thanks to our esteemed WHO Director-General, my brother @DrTedros for gracing us with his presence on what is his last RC with us before he steps down at the end of his tenure next year. A bittersweet, poignant moment for all of us.
WHO’s mandate and vision of Health for All has never been more vital.
So, join us at #RC77 - we look forward to having you be part of our most important gathering of the year. 🙏
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Communications is a critical pillar of the work @WHO does globally, including in the Western Pacific Region - where we've been investing significantly in Communications for Health, an approach endorsed by Member States at our Regional Committee in 2023.
On behalf of all of us at @WHOWPRO, welcome to @TamaraAlrifai - a veteran communications and advocacy professional, whose prior work includes senior posts at @UNFPA_Arabic and, more recently, @UNRWA.
We look forward to interacting closely with you, through our Regional Communications unit here in Manila - at a time when our mandate and vision of #HealthForAll have never been more urgent in this interconnected world.
A warm welcome to @TamaraAlrifai, the new @WHO Director of Communications, who joined us earlier this month.
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Today’s health challenges are too big for any one organization to solve alone.
That’s why WHO is announcing Together for Science & Health — a global movement to turn trusted science into healthier lives for everyone, everywhere.
From academia and civil society to governments, philanthropy and the private sector, every partner has a part to play in making science serve people and communities.
Discover the initiative and apply to join a growing global community: bit.ly/4ea2PKJ
#StandWithScience
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Worldwide, girls are breaking stereotypes & overcoming barriers—from lack of education, to forced marriage & gender-based violence.
Yet they continue to pursue their dreams.
On Sunday's #DayOfTheGirl & every day, join @UN_Women in standing with girls as they shape their futures.
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Recovery is never a solo journey.
"As someone who has experienced those dark periods of chaining and everything, it was a deeply degrading situation that hurt me. But I chose to use this to find the meaning of my life. I also learned that I couldn't go on the journey myself – there is a lot of support from mentors, family and the community."
-Anto, Indonesia
Mentors, family and community make recovery possible. #MentalHealth systems should be built around that support.
Anto’s story bit.ly/4rVMuPz
ALT Portrait of Anto Agus from Indonesia sharing a quote on the importance of support for mental health on World Mental Health Day.
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
🟦 On 2 October 2026, WHO became aware through media reports of the death of an employee of the Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East, the Russian Federation.
🟦 According to these reports, the individual died on 2 October following hospitalization for severe pneumonia on 29 September, and pneumonic plague was suspected as the cause of death, following occupational exposure in laboratory settings.
🟦 Following requests for verification from WHO, the National Focal Point for the International Health Regulations (2005) (NFP) of the Russian Federation confirmed the death and informed WHO that no case of plague had been registered recently in Irkutsk Oblast, that preventive and control measures had been implemented in accordance with national sanitary legislation, and that the laboratory testing of contacts detected no high-threat pathogens.
🟦 The authorities also reported that no biosecurity incidents had occurred in the laboratory, contrary to reports in the media, and that there were no further case of severe pneumonia linked to this case.
🟦 The NFP informed WHO that the case and all contacts had been tested for a range of microorganisms, including high-threat pathogens. Test results were negative for the tested high-threat pathogens.
🟦 All contacts had been medically followed up in healthcare facilities or at home, and all remained asymptomatic throughout. Quarantine measures were instituted in the hospital where the patient was being treated.
🟦 Based on the information provided by NFP, WHO has not identified evidence of ongoing transmission associated with this event.
A key uncertainty remains the absence of a confirmed diagnosis in the deceased laboratory worker.
🟦 WHO will continue to monitor the situation and assess any potential public health implications as further information becomes available.
Read the full Disease Outbreak News: Pneumonia of undetermined aetiology, The Russian Federation, 10 October 2026 bit.ly/4ztDunq
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
A warm WHO Western Pacific welcome to Solomon Islands’ new Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Morris Toiraena, whom I met on the sidelines of #UNGA.
I look forward to working closely with Minister Toiraena as Solomon Islands strengthens its role in regional and global health governance.
In 2024, the Western Pacific Region endorsed Solomon Islands as one of its representatives on the WHO Executive Board for 2025–2028.
This is historic. Since joining the Western Pacific Region in 1983, it is the country's first seat on the WHO Executive Board.
It is an important opportunity for Solomon Islands, and the Pacific, to bring regional priorities, perspectives and experience to global health decision-making.
Solomon Islands has much to share, including its work on noncommunicable diseases, emergency preparedness and climate resilience.
We warmly welcome Minister Toiraena and look forward to collaborating in the spirit of Iumi Tugeda - unity, teamwork and working together as one.
World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific retweeted
Health belongs at the heart of climate action.
Join @WHO at #PreCOP31 to help move the conversation forward.
And explore the programme to find out where I will be engaging.
We'll be focused on three urgent priorities:
💰 Financing climate action that protects health
🌡️ Keeping 1.5°C within reach
🌱 Championing gender-responsive climate action
Bring your voice to discussions on protecting people, strengthening health systems and securing a healthier future for Pacific communities.
#HealthForAll