Does the New WHO SEARO Building Reflect a Collective Commitment to Global Health?
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New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) The newly inaugurated WHO South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) building stands as a powerful testament to the united commitment towards global health, according to Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda.
This modern facility was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), during the closing ceremonies of the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held at Bharat Mandapam.
During his visit, Nadda emphasized India's steadfast dedication to enhancing both regional and global health collaborations. He pointed out that the pressing public health challenges we face necessitate a unified, coordinated, and ongoing effort among countries.
“The WHO SEARO building transcends being just a physical structure; it symbolizes the shared aspirations and determination of the South-East Asia Region’s populace,” the Union Health Minister remarked.
He added that this facility embodies the spirit of unity and cooperation in promoting public health and well-being, impacting nearly half a billion individuals across the region.
On the same occasion, the WHO Director-General characterized the WHO SEARO building as a strong emblem of collective purpose and dedication to serving humanity.
“This new establishment signifies the long-standing and trusted partnership between the World Health Organization and the Government of India in promoting public health at both regional and global scales,” Dr. Tedros noted.
In his remarks at the Summit, the WHO leader praised India's contributions to integrating traditional medicine within the global health framework.
“From the inception of a dedicated Ministry of Ayush to the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, India has demonstrated that tradition and innovation, heritage and science can progress in tandem. Through its ancient Ayush systems, India has illustrated that traditional wisdom and modern science can coexist harmoniously,” Dr. Tedros stated.
He noted that traditional medicine holds the potential to tackle numerous health threats prevalent in today's world, including the rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases, unequal access to healthcare services, and the challenges posed by climate change.