Minister of Health Appointed Chairperson at the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific

21 October 2024 – Manila, Philippines

Hon. Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, Minister of Health for the Cook Islands, has officially assumed her role as Chairperson at the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific. In her opening address, she emphasized the importance of unity, vigilance, and resilience in the face of complex health challenges impacting the region.

Drawing on her Cook Islands heritage, Hon. Toki-Brown shared traditional wisdom, reminding delegates to remain alert and committed during both times of distress and peace.

She also acknowledged the support of the government of the Cook Islands, her home island, Enuamanu (Atiu), and her electorate Teenui e Mapumai, expressing gratitude for their unwavering trust and encouragement.

“This is an honour not only for me but for my country. I will do my best to manage our discussions well and lead with purpose. Together, we must weave a collective vision that ensures the health and well-being of the 1.9 billion people of the Western Pacific region,” she said.

Key Priorities for the Session

The 75th Session marks a significant milestone, being the first held under the leadership of Dr. Saia Piukala, the newly appointed WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. The week-long agenda covers critical health priorities, including:

• • Health Financing for Universal Health Coverage: Delegates will review a draft regional framework to strengthen health financing policies, addressing growing financial hardships faced by populations when accessing care.
    
    

• • Digital Health Innovations: With the rapid rise of telemedicine, mobile health apps, and AI-driven diagnostics, the session will explore renewing the Regional Action Agenda on e-Health to meet modern needs.
    
    

• • Climate Resilience in Health Systems: A panel discussion highlighted how member states are increasing healthcare facility resilience to climate change impacts through innovative solutions and international collaboration.
    
    

• • Primary Health Care Transformation: Revisiting the framework adopted two years ago, discussions will focus on aligning national health systems with primary healthcare principles to achieve universal health care and sustainable development goals.
    
    

• • Oral Health as a Priority: With over 800 million people in the region affected by oral diseases, the session will explore strategies to integrate oral health into primary care and promote prevention through community involvement.

Hon.Toki-Brown underscored the importance of mutual accountability between WHO and member states, especially through the new regional vision, Weaving Health for Families, Communities, and Societies in the Western Pacific Region. “This vision requires all of us to come together, like the weaving of a mat, to strengthen the health of our people,” she said.

A Call for Global Commitment

The session also highlighted the WHO’s first Investment Round, launched to secure sustainable resources for WHO’s core work over the next four years, culminating at the G20 Leaders’ Summit chaired by Brazilian President Lula da Silva. Minister Toki-Brown encouraged member states to demonstrate their commitment during a special event later in the week, hinting at exciting pledges already in motion.

Closing Remarks

In her concluding message, Minister Toki-Brown emphasized collaboration and unity. “Let’s work together with one mind and one purpose,” she urged. She left the delegates with a final Cook Islands proverb:

“No reira kia ka to rama, ei toki tarai enua ite arataki’anga I to tatou ititangata.”
“May your light shine, and your tool sharpened to lead our nations and people forward.”

The 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific continues throughout the week, with discussions and outcomes expected to shape the future of health policy in the region.

ENDS

Media enquiries +682 55486; jaewynn.mckay@cookislands.gov.ck