PH elected to WHO executive board

DOH Sec. Janette Garin. PHOTO FROM DOH FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

The Philippines has been picked as a new member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board with a three-year term set to expire in 2018.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that the country will be represented by Health Secretary Janette Garin whose appointment was confirmed by the Committee on Appointments on Wednesday.

READ: Garin appointed health secretary

“The Executive Board oversees the implementation of the decisions and policies made by the World Health Assembly, provides expert advice and generally facilitates the work of the Assembly,” the statement said.

Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Cecilia Rebong hailed the election of the Philippines in the executive board.

“The Philippines will be guided by the decisions of our global leaders in the World Health Assembly, as well as the interests of the Philippines in health and other sectors, in fulfilling our duty as a member of the Executive Board,” Rebong said.

During the 68th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Garin shared how the country was able to rebuild “resilient health systems” during the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan).

READ: PH joins new int’l initiative on climate change, disaster refugees

“The Philippine experience during Typhoon Haiyan highlighted the capacity of global climate change to wipe out health sector gains and inflict catastrophic losses of life, limb, and properties. Its impact on economies is beyond words,” she said.

Citing the Philippines’ role as the current chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, the health secretary also urged other countries to back all efforts in reducing the harmful effects of global warming.

“I therefore call on this Assembly to collectively support measures within and even outside the health sector that will address the effects of global climate change,” she said. IDL