The 76th session of the World Health Organization’s Regional Committee for South-East Asia recently took place in New Delhi, where a significant emphasis was laid on investing in Primary Health Care (PHC) as the most inclusive, equitable, and cost-effective way to accomplish Universal Health Coverage. The Delhi Declaration, highlighting the strengthening of primary health care as a pivotal step towards achieving universal health coverage, was signed at the meeting.
Investment in Primary Health Care: The Key to Achieving Universal Health Coverage
Reaffirmation of the Indian government’s vision of “Antyodaya” (leaving no one behind) occurred in this meeting. It was asserted that India’s robust health system relies on a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach which aims at improving essential health services and health systems to pre-pandemic levels. The significance of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), currently playing a transformative role in delivering comprehensive primary health care services, was also underscored.
Saima Wazed Elected as Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia
Saima Wazed from Bangladesh was elected the Regional Director for the WHO South-East Asia region during this convening. The Regional Committee for South-East Asia, WHO’s governing body in the region, is composed of 11 Member States – Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. Every member state has a WHO country office. The headquarters of WHO South-East Asia Regional Office is situated in New Delhi, India.
New Chinese Research Station in Antarctica
Two Chinese icebreaker research vessels and a cargo ship have started their journey towards Antarctica with the primary mission of completing the construction of China’s fifth research station on Inexpressible Island near the Ross Sea. Regarded as one of the last intact marine ecosystems globally, the Ross Sea borders the coast of Antarctica. China boasts four research stations in Antarctica, constructed between 1985 and 2014.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: A Celebration of Freedom
Marking the culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian Prime Minister concluded the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign. This celebratory event drew inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra and commenced on the 12th of March 2021, concluding on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the 31st of October 2023. The foundation stone for the Amrit Vatika and Amrit Mahotsav Memorial was also laid during this occasion.
Rohini Nayyar Prize: An Acknowledgement to Rural Development Contributions
The Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development was awarded to Deenanath Rajput, an engineer-turned-social worker. His commendable work in transforming the lives of over 6,000 tribal women in Naxalite-affected areas of Chhattisgarh through establishing a farmers’ producers organization (FPO) earned him this recognition. Instituted in memory of economist and administrator Rohini Nayyar, this is the second edition of the Rohini Nayyar Prize. The awardee gets a cash prize of ₹10 lakhs.
