DFA Joins WHO in Celebrating World Health Day 2023 at WHO Western Pacific Regional HQ

DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) Director Christina Rola-Mckernan shared the Department’s congratulatory message for the WHO’s Celebration of World Health Day 2023.

MANILA 28 April 2023 – The Department of Foreign Affairs participated in the World Health Day 2023 hybrid celebration organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific at its regional headquarters in Manila on 24 April 2023.

With the theme, “Health for All”, World Health Day put the spotlight on WHO’s 75th founding anniversary, looking back at WHO’s beginnings, reviewing its achievements, and discussing its plans for the future.

The message of the DFA, delivered by Ms. Christina Rola-Mckernan, Director at DFA’s Office of the United Nations and International Organizations or UNIO, on behalf of UNIO Assistant Secretary Hon. Kira Christianne D. Azucena, conveyed the felicitations of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs Hon. Enrique A. Manalo to WHO on the occasion of its 75th anniversary this year.

The Department of Foreign Affairs statement underscored Philippine support as host of the WHO Regional Office.  “It is truly an honor for the Philippines – especially being a WHO founding member – to have been able to host the WPRO to this day, as the regional office continues its unwavering efforts to achieve the aims of the WHO, keeping attuned and responsive to the ever-changing landscape of global and regional health priorities throughout the decades,” Director Rola-Mckernan said.

Director Rola-Mckernan also stated “We are also proud that a good number of Filipino WHO personnel have been able to contribute to the impressive accomplishments of the regional office. We commend the WHO officials and staff – coming from all of our member-states – for the outstanding professional, dedicated service and commitment to the well-being of all citizens of the world”.

Dr. Zsuzanna Jakab, WPRO Acting Regional Director, welcomed resident Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps in Manila, WHO officials and technical experts from foreign posts, and representatives from partner organizations. Apart from congratulatory messages, the program also featured video and photo presentations of the current work and thrusts of WHO, especially in the Western Pacific Region. A photo exhibition of WHO’s work in the Western Pacific countries was showcased at the WPRO premises.

In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly where it was decided that every 7th of April will mark the founding of the WHO.  The Philippines joined WHO as a founding member on 1 July 1948 and has been the host country of WPRO, composed of 37 Member States, since 1951. The Philippines and the WHO signed the Host Agreement for the establishment of the Regional Office in Manila on 1 June 1951. END