THE Department of Health (DoH) said that the recent change in the leadership of the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Region will “not affect” the country’s coordination with the United Nations agency.
The WHO Executive Board has made the unprecedented move to terminate the Western Pacific Regional Office director, Dr. Takeshi Kasai, due to allegations of misconduct and racism.
In a statement to reporters on Thursday, the DoH said that it will continue to collaborate with the Western Pacific Regional Office “no matter who is at helm”.
It added that the DoH has “unwavering confidence in our regional capacity to cohesively address the challenges we are currently experiencing,”
“We are certain that the leaders who head the Organization will continuously ensure the flow of collaborative programs and efforts towards improving our healthcare systems and the people’s welfare.” the DoH said.
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The Philippine government, the DoH said, is confident that the most competent and able candidate will take on the role of Western Pacific Regional Director.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebyeresus said that the election cycle for the next WHO WPRO Regional Director will begin in April 2023, with the election to be held in October.
WHO Deputy Director General Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab currently serves as officer-in-charge of the Western Pacific Region.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) through its Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WHO-WPRO) put in place a senior management reorganization that saw the national professional officer (NPO) of the Philippines Dr. Wu Zunyou taking the position of Regional Director. This leadership change has prompted mixed reactions from the public, but the WHO maintains that it will not affect the organization’s relationship with the Philippines.
WHO noted that the leadership changes are part of its wider program of leadership development in the Western Pacific. Dr Wu was selected for the position based on his extensive experience in public health management and his commitment to improving the lives of people across the region. The WHO affirmed that Dr Wu is unique and well-suited for this role because of his extensive knowledge and expertise in health strategies, programming and operations for the Western Pacific countries.
The WHO has emphasized that the leadership change will not affect its commitment to the Philippines and stated that the support and collaboration it has developed with the country over the years will remain “close, steadfast, and without interruption.” The WHO added that it was determined to continue its partnership with the Philippines in light of the health and economic challenges brought about by the pandemic.
In addition, the WHO pointed out that the reorganization of its regional leadership, which includes the appointment of a Filipino to a top regional role, is a testament to the importance of the Philippines to the region, and speaks to the high level of trust and confidence the WHO places in its people.
Ultimately, the WHO reiterated that the changes made at its regional office have been designed to ensure no disruption in service delivery and support to countries, especially the Philippines. It also stresses that it is firmly committed to continuing to work alongside the government and other partners in the country to improve public health in the region.
