Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala
@RD_WPRO
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@WHOWPRO Regional Director. Weaving a new vision for #health for individuals, families and communities across the Western Pacific. Retweets are not endorsements
Joined May 2024
Congratulations to @Teddybird and the Philippines 🇵🇭 for taking on the charge for global health equity as the new #WHA78 president. This is a monumental step toward a healthier and more inclusive world. #WHA78 #HealthForAll
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Hello, X! 👋. I’m Saia, the @WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. Very excited to connect with you and weave a new vision for #HealthForAll individuals, families, and communities in the Region.
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Congratulations to #Australia 🇦🇺 for passing new vaping laws. 👏. E-cigarettes are harmful. They’re addictive. And they’re not proven to be effective for smoking cessation at the population level. We need tough legislation to protect our youth from manipulative industry tactics.
JUST IN: The Albanese Government’s world leading vaping laws have passed with unanimous support of the Senate.
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Great to meet with President of #Palau @Surangeljr and Cabinet members today to discuss pressing health issues facing the Region—from the impact of #ClimateChange on health to healthcare workforce challenges and noncommunicable diseases.
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Extremely pleased to recognize 🇻🇳 at #RCM75 for eliminating trachoma, a leading infectious cause of blindness globally. On behalf of @WHO and @DrTedros, congratulations #VietNam! 👏.
Congratulations to #VietNam for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem! 👏. On behalf of WHO, @RD_WPRO presents a plaque and certificate in recognition of the achievement to 🇻🇳 #RCM75 country delegates led by Vice Minister of Health Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Thi Lien Huong.
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Great to connect with @WHO DG @DrTedros, and my counterparts from the the other WHO regions on the sidelines of #WHA77 this week @hans_kluge, @drsaimawazed, @moetitshidi, @hananbalkhy, @diropspaho.
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If antibiotics stop working, that will be the end of modern medicine. As a surgeon, I know just how important it is that we protect the power of these precious medicines for keeping people alive when they are most vulnerable.
Superbugs are a growing reality, and #AntimicrobialResistance is making once-treatable infections deadly again. AMR affects us all. We each have a role to play in combating it. Watch this message from @rd_wpro to learn how we can all act as Stewards for the Future. #WAAW2024
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It was good to see govt leaders and partners at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum @ForumSEC Leaders Meeting opening today. Our focus is on #ClimateAction to #BuildBetterNow for a healthy #TransformativeResilientPasifiki.
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It was delightful to be part of my first @WHOWPRO Staff Awards today, taking time to recognize long service & great performance across the Region. I’m in awe of the commitment & time colleagues have dedicated to supporting our Member States to achieve a healthier Western Pacific.
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#RCM75 Chair and Vice-Chair, getting close to these animals was low risk, but later this week we’ll have serious discussions on public health risks inherent in interactions between humans, animals and the environment, with a side event on #OneHealth. Please follow online!
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Great to join my friend & fellow @WHO RD @drSaimaWazed at #GHSC2024, discussing our shared work to protect communities from public health threats. We are building on decades-long collaboration to improve health security through the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework.
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So good to be back home in my village, Pangaimotu 🇹🇴. No matter where I go, and what I do, I always remember where I come from, and I try to make my family and community proud.
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Honoured to present the 1st @WHOWPRO RD Report of my tenure. Proud to build on the work of my predecessors, I remain committed to addressing the challenges we face, inspired by the resilience & dedication of people we serve & colleagues I work alongside. 🔗
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I welcome the Regional Committee's endorsement of our collective vision for #HealthForAll in the Western Pacific. Our task may be enormous, but together, I am deeply optimistic that we can weave a healthier future for families & communities in our Region.
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At yesterday’s #UNGA79 side event on the health argument for #ClimateAction, I emphasized: the climate crisis is a public health crisis. The lack of progress in reducing emissions and building climate resilience threatens both human lives and the viability of health systems.
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Congratulations to Iloilo City, #Philippines 🇵🇭 for earning the @ASEAN Smoke-Free award! I commend your strong policies, leadership and collaboration towards a tobacco-free world! #NoTobacco 🚭
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There’s nothing like the feeling of coming home & walking on the beach like I used to, growing up on Vava'u island. And we were blessed w/ a double rainbow!. As @WHOWPRO RD, I continue to dream big & work hard so no child needs to worry about their health & that of their family.
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As I wrap up my first #ClimateChange COP, I want to express heartfelt thanks to the leaders, country representatives, experts, youth champions and everyone I had the privilege to meet. Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. See you in Brazil!
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Kia ora, 🇳🇿! It was a privilege to stop by @AucklandUni and engage with partners and health experts on my vision and priorities for the Region. I'm keen to work closely with regional partners, drawing on their expertise to deliver better health outcomes for all communities.
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Many bright and ambitious young health leaders are ready to take on the fight against tobacco and protect future generations from its harms. Great to host the inspiring group from @IGTC_Hopkins' Ascend Leadership program at @WHOWPRO yesterday!
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Great to spend time w/ my excellent @WHOMalaysia colleagues. The WHO workforce is the heartbeat of our organization, driving us forward in our mission towards #HealthForAll. I’m always inspired by their dedication & spirit of collaboration w/ national stakeholders. #ProudToBeWHO
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Over 800 million people in the Western Pacific Region have untreated #OralHealth conditions. That’s unacceptable. I delivered the keynote message for yesterday's session at the @WHO Global Oral Health Meeting in Bangkok. I continue to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring oral
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Arrived in the beautiful Cook Islands today and had the pleasure of catching up with Hon. Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown. 🇨🇰's recent health acts that include a ban on e-cigarettes are a fantastic step towards a healthier future for Cook Islanders. Well done, @minhealthci!
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Great to welcome @WHO Global Malaria Programme Dir @DrDanielNgamije. Every 2 minutes, a child dies from #malaria globally—a preventable & treatable disease. We have the tools to protect people from deadly 🦟 bites and must work together. Thanks for the collaboration, Dr Ngamije!
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Tonight @WHO Member States took a decision to strengthen how we prevent, prepare for & respond to health emergencies. #WHA77 reached agreement on a wide-ranging, decisive package of amendments to the #IHR & set a date for finalizing negotiations on a proposed #PandemicAgreement.
The historic decisions taken today by #WHA77 delegates to:.- adopt the International Health Regulations Amendments.- finalise the #PandemicAgreement within a year, by the #WHA78, or earlier if possible in 2024.demonstrate a common desire by @WHO Member States to protect their own
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It's great to be back in the Friendly Islands 🇹🇴 – first visit since taking up my role as @WHOWPRO Regional Director. Many thanks to MOH CEO Dr Reynold Ofanoa & team for a warm welcome!. Looking forward to meeting with communities, national & regional leaders in the coming days.
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Building climate-resilient health systems is essential for protecting our communities from #ClimateChange impacts. @WHOWPRO and #RCM75 delegates are focused on ensuring health facilities can adapt and recover while also leading the way in sustainability.
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Gearing up for #RCM75! We are almost done with preparations for next week’s seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee. We look forward to welcoming Member States and partners at @WHOWPRO in Manila, #Philippines. See you all!
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Asia Pacific is home to ~4 billion people, or ½ the🌏’s population. We face frequent emergencies resulting from:.➡️infectious diseases.➡️antimicrobial resistance.➡️extreme weather events & natural disasters.➡️food safety events.➡️technological hazards.➡️impacts of climate change
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Grateful to attend two events in Sydney 🇦🇺 today while here for @GHS_conf: One on military-civilian partnerships for #HealthSecurity organized by the @INDOPACOM, and another on multisectoral collaboration for health emergency preparedness organized by @WHO.
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The @WHO Investment Round special event during #RCM75 will help mobilize resources to support countries like Palau in tackling these challenges. I’m grateful for 🇵🇼’s strong leadership and steadfast support to WHO. Thank you, President @Surangeljr and Minister @GJUherbelau! 🙏
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Great to connect w/ colleagues from @WHOEMRO, incl. Regional Emergencies Director Rick Brennan & @WHO Rep to Lebanon @abdinasirgole. We’re keen believers in the “One WHO” approach, sharing experiences across regions to enhance our emergency preparedness & response work globally.
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#PrimaryHealthCare goes beyond treating diseases; it promotes overall health & well-being for all. It's the most inclusive & cost-effective path to #UHC. Glad to join Member States at the workshop on effective service delivery for primary health care & reaching the unreached.
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#HappeningNow: Join me and my WHO colleagues in our press conference on #RCM75 and a new report on #SDGs progress on health in the Western Pacific. We are live on @WHOWPRO channels!
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It’s been raining heavily all day, and shortly after the PIFs opening, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck with an epicentre 154km from here. These are stark reminders of the need for urgent #ClimateAction.
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Today at #RCM75, I shared my personal journey and inspiration for the Western Pacific vision for health. WHO, Member States and partners are working together to weave a mat of health that will strengthen families, communities and societies.
From a barefoot boy to WHO's first Pacific islander Regional Director, @RD_WPRO Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala shares his inspiring journey and vision for health in the Western Pacific. Let's come together to weave a future of better #HealthForAll! . #RCM75
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Happy to see @DrTedros, @DrMariaNeira, @AupitoWSio_MP and @WHOWPRO colleagues during my first day at #COP29. An insightful discussion at the high-level side event with COP Presidencies, bringing #health to the centre of the climate agenda. #COP29
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Fakaaue Lahi 🙏 Minister @SonyaMTalagi for the valuable discussions. @WHO stands by to continue to support #Niue 🇳🇺 in areas such as data collection, noncommunicable disease prevention and control, enhancement of #WASH services, health workforce development, and more.
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As we conclude #RCM75, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all participants for your invaluable contributions and insightful discussions. Together, we are weaving a future of better health for all in the Western Pacific. See you in #RCM76!.
Thank you for tuning in to #RCM75! A lot has happened over the past few days!. We look forward to seeing you next year for #RCM76 in Fiji 🇫🇯 from 20 to 24 October 2025!
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Health security threats know no borders and the only way to stop or reduce their impact is to work together. We must act now to better prepare for the next health emergency. @DrTedros .@mvankerkhove .@SamaanGina
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Delighted to catch up with my @ASEAN brothers and sisters at #WHA77. Southeast Asian countries share close bonds and have shown that regional coordination and solidarity are vital in our efforts towards #HealthForAll.
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Glad to meet with Dr Yasuhiro Suzuki of @MHLWitter_en 🇯🇵. My sincere gratitude to @JapanGov for their steadfast support to @WHO and Western Pacific countries, helping address critical health challenges such as health emergencies, noncommunicable diseases, and ageing.
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Our Region is ageing at great pace, with over 245M people aged 65+ and numbers expected to double by 2050. It’s great to see countries like #Singapore with initiatives that support older people to stay active, socially connected, cared for & able to contribute within society.
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My thanks to @iamkarendavila for the excellent moderation of the #RCM75 special event on the @WHO Investment Round!
W.H.O. INVESTMENT ROUND 🇵🇭 An honor to host & moderate the World Health Organization’s Investment Round for the Western Pacific encouraging governments & other organizations to support WHO’s work over the next 4 years! . Pledges totaling US$ 12.1M from 10 countries, including US$
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Great to hear of another milestone in tobacco control for Lao PDR! This demonstrates the dedicated efforts by the Government and partners to protect families and communities from the harms of tobacco. @WHO is committed to supporting 🇱🇦 toward a tobacco-free future.
Starting Dec 2024, all tobacco products sold in Lao PDR 🇱🇦 will be required to have plain, standardized packaging – the 25th country to adopt this measure. Plain packaging is proven to reduce tobacco product appeal + increase health warnings impact. ⏩
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Great to meet Honourable Mona Ainu’u, discussing our shared commitment to #ClimateChange and health. The climate crisis is a health crisis and I’m committed to working with countries to change course. Thank you 🙏 for your leadership, Acting Premier Ainu’u.
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#AI has immense potential to revolutionize health, providing innovative solutions to our most stubborn and complex challenges. Exciting to hear the many ways we can harness AI for enormous impact, especially in resource-limited settings, at today’s #WHA77 Strategic Roundtable.
Today's #WHA77 Strategic Roundtable will look at how to harness the potential of artificial intelligence or health, while ensuring a focus on equity and inclusion, and appropriate protections for human rights and privacy. Follow LIVE from 13h00 CEST, here on on X/Twitter and our
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Alongside @algore, @richardhorton1 & others, 🇫🇯 Fiji Minister of Health & Medical Services, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, delivered an important message about how the health of people in the #Pacific is being impacted by #ClimateChange at the final #WHA77 Strategic Roundtable today.
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I’m grateful to #Japan 🇯🇵 for their ongoing support to @WHO. Together, we’re working towards #UniversalHealthCoverage and ensuring healthier, safer lives for everyone in the Western Pacific. Thank you, Japan, for your partnership! 🙏.
From enhancing emergency preparedness and response to promoting good oral health, #Japan is a key partner in our mission towards #HealthForAll. Read more about Japan's support to @WHO's work👉
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Many memorable moments from my recent visit to Mongolia 🇲🇳, including meeting young leaders to hear their aspirations for a healthier, safer and brighter future. Youth have a vital role to play in our efforts towards #HealthForAll. Their voices must be heard. #MyHealthMyRight.
@WHOMongolia and @EruulMendiinYam launched the Voices of the Youth: My health, my right, my future - to engage and empower the youth to protect their health and their future.
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With @UN Sec Gen @antonioguterres, Pacific Resident Coordinator @DirkWagenerUN & Disaster Management Minister @fekita_u, I was privileged to meet with members of the community in Hihifo which was hit hard by the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption & tsunami in 2022.
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My thanks to Peking University @PKU1898 for having me at their #ClimateChange and health panel. We reflected on the recent #COP29 and on 🇨🇳’s action plan on health adaptation to climate change. I underscored: Health is the argument for #ClimateAction. Investing in
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I’m pleased to have met Honourable Ministers from Pacific island countries and areas at #WHA77 today. Together with my brothers and sisters from the Pacific, we are coming together to weave a collective vision toward #HealthForAll in the Western Pacific Region.
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We are deeply saddened by the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu 🇻🇺 today. My thoughts are with everyone affected and their families during this challenging time. @WHO stands in solidarity with the Government of Vanuatu and is committed to supporting response efforts to.
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Malo 'aupito, Lord Fakatulolo, for the warm welcome home to Vava’u 🇹🇴. I’m grateful for the discussion with you and the time I will spend with members of the community in the next couple of days.
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Very pleased to hand over a new oxygen plant, generously supported by @EUPasifika. Oxygen is an essential medicine and this new plant will give #Niue 🇳🇺 greater capacity to provide life-saving treatment and safer surgeries for its people.
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I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile. On behalf of @WHOWPRO, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, @WHOAFRO colleagues, and the people of #Tanzania during this difficult time.
Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, @WHOAFRO Regional Director-elect. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and the parliament and people of #Tanzania.
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As the first @WHO Regional Director from the Pacific, it was a great honour to be alongside my Asia-Pacific brothers & sisters speaking at the 8th Asia Pacific Leaders’ Summit on #Malaria Elimination in 🇵🇬 today. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to #EndMalaria in the Region.
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I’m always grateful to visit primary health care facilities like Ta’anea Health Centre 🇹🇴 today. The dedication of health workers at PHC facilities is critical to reaching families and communities with the services they need, where and when they need them. #HealthForAll
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The Pasifika Medical Association Group is doing great work to improve health & wellbeing for Pacific people. It was great to learn more about their initiatives to enhance health workforce capacity & deliver quality primary health care to the community. Tēnā koe, @MedicalPasifika!
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I’ve arrived on the Rock of Polynesia, #Niue 🇳🇺! . Humbled by the warm welcome received with Ui, a traditional Niuean Chant, and dance performed by the youth group. It was also wonderful to be greeted by the hardworking health staff and members of the Niue-Tonga community.
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Terima kasih, my friend, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Isham bin Haji Jaafar for the warm reception during my first visit to #BruneiDarussalam 🇧🇳!. @WHO is grateful for your global health leadership as current member of the WHO Executive Board & Chair of @WHOWPRO’s Regional Committee.
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I spoke today at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ plenary on the need to make health a standing @ForumSEC agenda item, with 3️⃣ priorities:. ▶ #ClimateAction: We need resilient health infrastructure. Too many hospitals in the #Pacific are at risk of inundation and flooding.
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Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by #TyphoonYagi in China and Viet Nam. My heartfelt condolences to all affected, especially those who lost loved ones. I commend 🇻🇳 & 🇨🇳’s swift and impressive responses. The @WHO team stands ready to support where it's needed most.
It was a frightening night in Hanoi last night as #TyphoonYagi 🌀 swept across northern Vietnam. Heartbroken for the families of the 15 people across the north of the country who were killed. We are still learning about damage to healthcare facilities etc, @WHO ready to assist.
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Great to meet the nurses at the @ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in #Vientiane 🇱🇦. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. ຂອບໃຈ!
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Excellent to meet with Minister @DrShaneRetiMP while in #Wellington today. I thanked him for 🇳🇿’s global health leadership, including on the recent amendments to the International Health Regulations and more broadly to health emergency preparedness, especially in the Pacific.
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Great to meet the Institute of Philanthropy Director Dr @gmleunghku. I appreciate the Institute’s work for health in recent years. And I thanked Dr Leung for being a panelist in the #RCM75 special event on the WHO Investment Round.
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Meitaki Ma’ata 🙏 Deputy PM Honourable Albert Nicholas for the warm welcome and productive discussion!. @WHO remains committed to supporting the #CookIslands 🇨🇰, including to boost health workforce capacity, prepare for health emergencies, and promote healthier populations.
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Important insights on tobacco control at #RCM75. The challenges are significant but so are our collective efforts to combat tobacco use. Thank you to all the panelists from @healthgovau, @minhealthci, @MOHSingapore, @SEATCAdotOrg & @30thgyc, and to @sandrodemaio for moderating!.
#Live: Join us at #RCM75 as a panel of experts from Australia, Cook Islands, Singapore, @SEATCAdotOrg and @30thgyc moderated by @SandroDemaio of @VicHealth talk about tobacco control in the Western Pacific.
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What a warm and special welcome to #Wellington 🇳🇿! Thank you, @minhealthnz, for today’s mihi whakatau. The singing of waiata has energized me for the busy week ahead!
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#WHA77 was also a fantastic opportunity to meet with key HQ colleagues including WHO’s Chief Scientist @JeremyFarrar and our ADG for Data, Analytics & Delivery for Impact @DrSamira_Asma and their teams
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On this day last month, I marked my first 100 days as the @WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. Then as now, I continue to listen to & engage with leaders, health workers & WHO colleagues as we work towards our vision of #HealthForAll people & communities in our Region.
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The fight against the #ClimateCrisis is not just an environmental issue, it's a public health imperative. As a Pacific Islander & as @WHO Regional Director, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of #ClimateChange on our communities & our way of life, from the Pacific & across the globe.
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We stand together with #Australia and all countries in the Western Pacific to protect our children from the harms of tobacco and e-cigarettes. Thank you, @Mark_Butler_MP @healthgovau, for your great efforts towards a #NoTobacco future for young people. #TobaccoExposed.
Young people are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults in many countries, as the tobacco industry is specifically targeting youth. @RD_WPRO Dr Piukala & @Mark_Butler_MP explain why protecting young people from tobacco/e-cigarettes is everybody's business. #TobaccoExposed
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Wonderful to continue discussions w/ Hon. Minister Ong Ye Kung after #WHA77 last month. I thanked him again for 🇸🇬’s commitment of SG$ 24 million in the first ever @WHO Investment Round. Their contribution will go a long way in helping us deliver on our mandate of #HealthForAll.
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Great news from 🇻🇳! These #RoadSafety measures will protect children's lives. Road traffic injury is the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29. @WHO will continue efforts to protect people from road traffic injuries, incl. supporting countries to improve relevant policies.
Congratulations to the Govt of #VietNam🇻🇳 for 2⃣ measures to protect the safety and lives of children in vehicles. 🚗From 1 Jan 2026, children under 10 & 135cm tall must be in the back seat in a child restraint system. 🙏🏼Thank you, #RoadSafety partners!.➡️
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At the World Conference on Traditional Medicine in Beijing this week, I spoke about drawing on the contribution of traditional and complementary medicine for health and well-being and integrating it into primary health care. #TraditionalMedicine is practiced in many countries,
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@JeremyFarrar @DrSamira_Asma @WHO And coming to the end of my first World Health Assembly as Regional Director, I want to thank my fantastic colleagues from @WHOWPRO! Your team work from early mornings to late nights ensured the Member States of the Western Pacific were well supported throughout #WHA77 Thank you!
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