Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues and friends,
As we conclude this High-Level Preparatory Meeting, allow me to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to all of you - the distinguished delegates from our Member States - both here in New Delhi and online.
Over the past three days, we have had thoughtful, substantive and forward-looking deliberations on the issues that matter most for the health of nearly two billion people across our Region.
Our discussions have reflected a Region that has much to celebrate, but even more to accomplish.
We have made progress in improving health outcomes, expanding universal health coverage and strengthening health systems. Yet the true measure of our success will be how effectively we address the remaining gaps —and how boldly we respond to new and evolving health challenges.
I would like to briefly highlight three areas:
Tuberculosis: Our Region continues to make progress, with TB incidence declining and treatment outcomes among the best globally. Yet we still bear the world's largest TB burden. Accelerating prevention, early diagnosis, better care, and the introduction of new tools and vaccines must remain central to our response.
Immunization: While our Region leads the world in routine immunization coverage, reaching the zero-dose and partially vaccinated children is one of our greatest equity imperatives. The resurgence of measles outbreaks across the Region is a stark reminder that even small gaps in immunization coverage can have serious consequences.
Maternal, newborn and child health: Stalled gains in maternal, newborn and child health demand renewed investment to get countries back on track towards the Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage.
Excellencies,
This meeting has also looked ahead.
Our discussions on the establishment of the South-East Asia Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Collaborative Network - SEA-DAC, represent an important opportunity for our Region.
I believe SEA-DAC can transform our Region by harnessing digital health and AI to foster regional collaboration, shared innovation and stronger, more equitable health systems.
Equally significant has been our discussion on equity in specialized care, which will take centre stage at the Ministerial Round Table during the Regional Committee. As health needs become more complex, equitable access to specialized care will be critical to advancing universal health coverage.
I look forward to Ministers adopting a Declaration that reaffirms our shared commitment to ensuring that access to specialized care is determined by need, not geography or ability to pay.
The work accomplished here over these three days now provides a strong foundation for the Seventy-ninth Regional Committee.
In the weeks ahead, this dialogue will continue as preparations advance for the Seventy-ninth Session of the Regional Committee, where Member States will consider seven draft resolutions on technical issues and a Ministerial Declaration on Equity in Specialized Care.
Together, these commitments have the potential to strengthen health systems, advance equity and improve the health and well-being of the people of our Region.
Excellencies,
This meeting has reaffirmed that when our Region works together, we lead together, and WHO remains committed to supporting every Member State as we translate our shared commitment into action for the health and well-being of the people of South-East Asia.
My special thanks go to the Hon'ble Chair, His Excellency Dr Hansaka Wijemuni, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka; to the Vice-Chair, Professor Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas, Director-General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh; and to the Rapporteur, Ms Aishath Rishmee, Director of International Relations, Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, Maldives, for steering these three days with diligence, wisdom and care.
My thanks also to colleagues and everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure this meeting ran so smoothly.
For those returning after this meeting, I wish you all safe travels, and I look forward to welcoming you at the Seventy-ninth Session of the WHO Regional Committee in Timor-Leste.
For others - I look forward to continuing our dialogue tomorrow at the Sub-committee on Policy and Programme Development and Management (SSPDM) as we build on the momentum we have created together.
Thank you.