THE World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday called for prompt action to fulfill the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Western Pacific Region.
“There has been some impressive progress, but there are a number of areas where urgent action is needed to meet the [SDGs] by the deadline just six years from now [in 2030],” WHO Western Pacific Regional head Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala said in a hybrid news conference on Thursday, citing a recent agency report.
He added Covid-19 did “less damage” in the Western Pacific than in other parts of the world, and that life expectancy is now at 77 years, longer than any region in the world.
“But it’s not all positive. The pandemic, of course, cost devastating losses of loved ones, and it disrupted progress in other areas of health. It also deepened inequalities. The report points to major challenges in the region, in terms of climate and environment-related health concerns, rapid population aging, tackling noncommunicable diseases, and ensuring people can access the health services they need where and when they need them without any financial help,” Piukala said.
He added transformative primary health care, robust systems for health financing, digital health initiatives and climate-resilient health facilities were crucial to the achievement of SDGs in the region.
WHO Philippines country representative Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus reported on recent local health initiatives, including the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service.
“They operate beyond the normal working hours, therefore the workforce of the Philippines can access health care services, even beyond normal working hours,” he said.
De Jesus also mentioned intensified government campaigns against tuberculosis, measles and human papillomavirus infection.
Be the first to comment