Duque elected to lead WHO Western Pacific regional committee

October 8 ------ Health Secretary Francisco Duque III will lead the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Committee for Western Pacific for one year after the 37 member-states elected him as chairperson. The Department of Health (DOH) said Duque was voted as chairman during the regional committee’s 71st session on Wednesday. “The circumstances in which we meet this year are very different from last year when we came together,” Duque said in the opening session.

“Thank you for your continued commitment in implementing that vision in the time of COVID-19 as we work together to adjust to a ‘new normal’ and create a new future.” The committee meets yearly to discuss new policies and initiatives, oversee regional programs, as well report on the progress of their projects. This year’s agenda includes the coronavirus pandemic, vaccine-preventable diseases, aging and health, safe and affordable surgical interventions, and the program budget for 2022 to 2023.

Duque’s selection as WHO regional committee chairman comes amid controversy surrounding his leadership of the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, which became the center of corruption allegations, amid the pandemic. Senators earlier sought Duque’s resignation for his “failure of leadership.” President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, has repeatedly expressed trust and confidence in his embattled health chief.

Source: gmanetwork.com