The 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean opens in Cairo
9 October 2023, Cairo, Egypt ‒ The 70th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean¬, also known as RC70, was inaugurated this evening in Cairo, Egypt. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, addressed delegates after the opening proceedings. Numerous ministers of health and other representatives of the Members of the Regional Committee were among the many dignitaries to attend the opening ceremony.
High-level officials from countries and territories of the Region also attend the Regional Committee, as do representatives of international, regional and national organizations. In line with the theme of RC70, we must all remain “United for a healthier future” to achieve the regional vision of Health for All by All. This year’s session of the Regional Committee coincides with the year-long celebration of WHO’s 75th anniversary.
In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Dr Mai Alkaila, Minister of Health of Palestine and Chair of RC69, who joined virtually, highlighted the fruitful deliberations of RC69 – last year’s session, which she chaired ¬– on key issues such as health security, the One Health approach, control of communicable diseases, promotion of health and well-being, and digital health. She also shared the regional perspective on the work of various intergovernmental processes mandated by the governing bodies of WHO.
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