Experience with inter-regional threats has shown us the importance of transnational coordination
The 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe is held in Tel Aviv, Israel. At the hearing, Slovakia is represented by the Minister of Health, Vladimir Lengvarský, who appreciated at the hearing that the issues of HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis and disability are part of the programme of this year's regional committee, as these are important topics from Slovakia's perspective, also due to the arrival of war refugees from Ukraine, who were forced to leave their country.
According to Minister Vladimír Lengvarsky, two years past cannot be defined as turbulent: The international community has been affected by public health emergencies. Moreover, since the beginning of this year we have been facing widespread aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Such hostile action, along with other actions which are contrary to international law and which interfere in different areas of the world, are deplorable in the most emphatic sense. said Vladimir Lengvarsky.
However, the positive of recent years is that the public health challenges we have encountered will also serve as a driver for important changes in the long term. The current situation therefore requires a strong WHO, effective health strategies developed at global and regional level and close international cooperation with the central role of Member States.
The more recent experience of cross-regional threats has shown us the importance of well-adapted measures and international coordination, which is why we believe that investing in the preparedness and response phase for public health emergencies, as well as building resilient health systems, is very worthwhile. stated the Minister.
In addition to including HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis among the topics of the meeting, the Minister recalled the importance of mental health care. –In this respect, less importance should not be attached to mental health and psychosocial support issues, and I am therefore particularly pleased that the CEO of WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his support in this matter during the June visit to Slovakia, Closed by Minister Vladimir Lengvarsky.
The meeting of the WHO Regional Committee was opened by Israeli President Jicchak Herzog. "Although Israel is a small country with little natural resources, we are blessed with phenomenal human resources," stated the Israeli Head of State. "Israel is home to countless pioneering start-ups in medical and health technologies that push the boundaries of human imagination. Together with European and international institutions, we can develop discoveries that will enable people to live healthier and longer." added President Herzog.