History was made in Manila, Philippines, this past week by the Pacific Ministers of Health and supporters when the first Pacific person was elected Regional Director of the Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organization.
The Saiamau Piukala of Tonga, a surgeon and a Minister of Health for the last nine years, was elected ahead of four candidates from the Philippines, China, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands.
The government of Tonga nominated Dr. Piukala with the Hon Valasi Luapitofanua Selesele of Samoa, and the Aupito William Sio of Auckland led the campaign for Dr. Piukala to secure the post.
“This is a decisive victory for the Pacific Islands and will increase the meaningful participation of the Pacific Islands to the health work in the region,” said Hon Valasi.
The budgets of the WHO country offices, including Samoa, have increased by 20%, which will assist in more health innovation and implementation of work programs in the Pacific Islands.
In addition to electing the Regional Director, the 74th Session of the Regional Committee proceedings discussed and approved resolutions on Communication for Health, Health Innovation, Health Workforce, Health Financing, and Organisational Culture Transformation.
