Azernews.Az

BAKU – The future of the health sector in Europe will be discussed in Baku this fall, according to the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, is in Baku for an official visit. During the visit, Jakab and Health Minister Ogtay Shiraliyev will sign a cooperation agreement to facilitate preparations for the annual session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for Europe, which will take place in Baku on September 12-15.

The Regional Committee will bring to Azerbaijan over 300 high-level public health decision-makers from 53 member states of the WHO European Region. They will discuss common plans for strengthening the region’s capacity to face challenges to public health, including developing a new health policy at a pan-European level.

"I am delighted that the Regional Committee will be held for the first time here in Baku," said Jakab. "We all hope this meeting will share a vision for the future of the health sector in the European region."

At the meeting in September, the Regional Committee will discuss many topics of current concern in public health, including chronic diseases, social determinants of health, alcohol consumption, antimicrobal resistance, mental health, and HIV/AIDS.

During her current visit to Baku, Jakab is to meet the Azerbaijani Prime Minister to discuss bilateral cooperation and the sustainability of health system reforms in the country.

WHO established its Country Office in Azerbaijan in 2004. It supports the country in many key public health areas, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, influenza, vaccine preventable diseases and immunization, mental health, disaster preparedness, as well as implementation of healthcare reforms.