Activities around the world

Global event

High-level debate on international health security, Singapore, 2 April 2007
A high-level global debate on 2 April 2007 was jointly organized by WHO and Singapore to raise the profile of international health security. Participants included Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO, Philip Chen, Chief Executive of Cathay Pacific, Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, and Jonas Gahr Store, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway.
- Summary of the global debate
- Video: Debate on International Health Security [wmv 9:14 min]
- Read Dr Chan's speech
- Issues paper: Invest in health, build a safer future

REGIONAL EVENTS

Africa
A web site message called on the international community to "Invest in health, build a safer future." According to Regional Director Dr Luis Gomes Sambo, international health security "could be guaranteed if all Member States join hands to focus and work with combined responsibility, transparency and cooperation."
Message from Africa Regional Director [pdf 396kb]

Americas
A series of activities marked World Health Day in the Americas. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt spoke about U.S. government health investments in the region at an observance event. Preparedness for emerging health threats was discussed by a panel of public health experts on 3 April in Washington, D.C.
More on World Health Day in the Americas

Eastern Mediterranean
"We must continue to expand our horizons, to work not only with governments but also international organizations, civil society and the business community if we are to face together the various health and security challenges," said Regional Director Dr Hussein A. Gezairy in a web site message.
More on World Health Day in Eastern Mediterranean region

Europe
A special discussion paper on health security and health crises is being prepared in the European region to inform policy-makers. A year-long campaign will raise the profile of health security.
Discussion paper on recent health crises in the WHO European Region

South-East Asia
Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, Regional Director, emphasized the urgent need to "build the first line of defence against health risks" at a World Health Day press conference. The region also hosted a reception for diplomats, government officials, NGOs and other partners.
Message from South-East Asia Regional Director [pdf 48kb]

Western Pacific
"Global health is at risk like never before," said Regional Director Dr Shigeru Omi, in a World Health Day news statement. In a related activity, the region took part in a rapid-containment exercise to test plans to avert an influenza pandemic, a danger to health that illustrates the urgent need to improve international health security.
Message from Western Pacific Regional Director

Regional events

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