October 13, Colombo (LNW): Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus touched down in Sri Lanka this morning for a key international health gathering set to bring together top-level policymakers and medical experts from across South and South-East Asia.
Arriving aboard Qatar Airways flight QR 660 from Doha, Dr Tedros landed at Bandaranaike International Airport at 9:40 a.m., where he was warmly welcomed by Dr Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.
His visit marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka as it prepares to host the 78th session of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Health Conference.
Dr Tedros will attend the conference as the Chief Guest, underscoring the importance the WHO places on strengthening health systems and regional cooperation in the wake of global challenges such as pandemics, climate-related health threats, and rising non-communicable diseases.
The conference, which begins tomorrow (14) and runs through to October 15, is expected to draw Health Ministers and senior officials from across the region. The agenda will focus on public health priorities, including post-pandemic resilience, health equity, disease prevention, and access to essential healthcare services.
