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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos eyes closer collaboration with WHO after Covid pandemic

Marcos eyes closer collaboration with WHO after Covid pandemic

Published Dec 7, 2024 03:53 am

The Philippines is ready to receive guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) on how to move forward in the post-pandemic world, President Marcos assured on Friday, Dec. 6.

PBBM_Piukala.jpgPresident Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala shake hands during a meeting in Malacañang. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

Citing Marcos’ meeting with WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that the WHO itself is also hopeful that the Marcos administration is open to an increased collaboration with the international body in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Welcome to Manila. I know you just finished your conference last week, which I think was quite constructive, very productive,” the President told Piukala, who made a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Friday.

He also took note of a meeting held between the WHO regional director and Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa.

“Well, I’m sure [Health)] Secretary Ted [Herbosa] has explained to you what the Philippines has been trying to do, especially [on] post-pandemic lessons learned,” Marcos said.

“So, whatever guidance that the WHO can provide us is something that we will certainly welcome,” he added.

Piukala was elected to the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in October 2023 and appointed to the WHO Executive Board in January 2024. He took office on Feb. 1, 2024.

According to the WHO’s website, Piukala’s road map for his first 100 days in office includes plans to visit many of the 37 countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region, engage with governments and stakeholders, discuss critical issues that affect health, and increase collaborative efforts.

As a regional director, Piukala does not only lead the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in its work with governments and partners across the Western Pacific, he is also responsible for enhancing regional health outcomes and ensure the safety of the region’s population.

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COVID-19 pandemic President Marcos World Health Organization (WHO)
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