Lei Chin Ion, director of the Health Bureau led a delegation to attend the 59th session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Western Pacific which was held from September 21 to 26 in Manila , Philippines.
The Regional Committee is WHO's governing body in the region that holds the conference every year to discuss important health issues affecting the region.
This year's conference discussed topics including health system strengthening and primary health care, prevention and control of tuberculosis, vaccine-preventable diseases, effects of climate change and strategic plans for dengue prevention and control in Asia.
Since the tenure of the incumbent regional director of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Shigeru Omi is expiring next year, this session also elected the new regional director.
Shin Young Soo of South Korea has been elected as the new term regional director.