October 13, Colombo (LNW): A major regional gathering of health leaders has commenced in Colombo today, as Sri Lanka hosts the 78th session of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia.
The high-level meeting brings together policymakers, international experts, and public health officials for critical discussions on the future of health and well-being across the region.
Among the key figures present is Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, who will serve as the event’s chief guest. Dr Tedros arrived in the country yesterday and was received at Bandaranaike International Airport by Dr Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Mass Media.
Also taking part in the multi-day conference is Dr Catharina Boehme, the WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, along with several senior WHO advisors and technical experts. Representatives from eight nations are in attendance, including Health Ministers, senior civil servants, and delegates from across South and South-East Asia.
The gathering is focused on shaping regional health strategies and identifying solutions to shared challenges. Central to the agenda are efforts to enhance primary healthcare systems—particularly in light of ageing populations—and to strengthen regional cooperation on tobacco control and public health emergencies.
Another key area of concern is antimicrobial resistance, which continues to pose a growing threat to global health. Member states are expected to commit to a renewed framework of action that prioritises surveillance, responsible antibiotic use, and investment in new treatments and technologies.
Delegates will also engage in discussions aimed at reinforcing the region’s collective capacity to respond to health crises. Plans to expand the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund are being examined as part of wider efforts to build resilience in the face of future pandemics, climate-related health threats, and humanitarian emergencies.
Over the course of the conference, participants will consider and adopt a number of formal resolutions on pressing health issues, while revisiting progress made on key targets outlined under the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim is to revitalise regional commitments to universal health coverage and to ensure that no one is left behind in access to essential services.
The Colombo meeting, set to run until October 15, is seen as an important opportunity for countries in the region to align their priorities and share best practices, especially at a time when public health systems are under increased strain from both emerging and longstanding challenges.
With Sri Lanka serving as host, the summit also offers the country a platform to showcase its own public health efforts and deepen its collaboration with global health partners.
