By Dr. Roshni Jhan Ganguly
The 77th session of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee (SEARO) held from October 7–9, 2024, in New Delhi was a remarkable convergence of health ministers, policymakers, and representatives from across the region. As the WHO representative from WONCA, this experience allowed me to witness first-hand the power of regional collaboration in addressing complex public health challenges.
The energy in the room was palpable from the opening session where Mr. J. P. Nadda, Health Minister of India, assumed the role of Chairperson with co-chairs from Bhutan and Timor-Leste. The presence of Ms. Saima Wazed, our Regional Director, added grace and dignity to the event, reinforcing the importance of strong leadership in fostering health diplomacy.
The ministerial roundtable on building adolescent-responsive health systems was particularly impactful for me. Adolescents are often left behind in healthcare discussions, yet they represent the future of our region. The conversations reinforced the need to address their unique health challenges, especially mental health and reproductive health, with empathy and actionable policies.
One of the most significant moments was the adoption of resolutions related to expanding the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) and enhancing universal health coverage (UHC). These are critical steps toward strengthening our region’s capacity to respond to emergencies and provide equitable healthcare access. The focus on sustainable financing also resonated deeply with me, as I believe financial resilience is fundamental for health systems to thrive.
The meeting also highlighted progress in traditional medicine, vector-borne disease control, and mental health services. As someone passionate about the intersection of mental health and public health, I was encouraged by the collective commitment to the Paro Declaration on people-centered mental health care.
For me, a key takeaway was the growing emphasis on digital health and AI-driven solutions, which aligns with my vision for the future of healthcare. These innovations, when used responsibly, can revolutionize healthcare delivery and bridge gaps in access. I am excited about the opportunities this opens up for our region, and I look forward to working on these initiatives through WONCA’s eHealth Working Party and the Working party for Policy and Advocacy.
This session reaffirmed my belief that collaboration across borders, supported by strong leadership and sustainable policies, is essential to achieving health goals. I left the meeting inspired by the collective determination of member states and committed to contributing meaningfully toward a healthier and more resilient South-East Asia.