Secretary Manalo Leads Launch of Philippine Candidate for WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific, Dr. Susan Mercado
(Top photo, from left) Sec. Enrique Manalo; Sec. Manalo and Philippine Candidate Dr. Susan Mercado; DOH Usec. Eric Tayag; Dr. Mercado.
(Bottom photo) Diplomatic corps representatives from WHO-Western Pacific members states in attendance.
MANILA 23 August 2023 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo headlined a diplomatic reception co-hosted with the Department of Health (DOH) to officially launch the candidature of the Philippines for the post of World Health Organization Regional Director for the Western Pacific held on Thursday evening at the Sheraton Manila Bay Hotel.
The Philippine candidate, Dr. Susan Pineda Mercado, is a 15-year veteran of the World Health Organization-Western Pacific Regional Office (WHO-WPRO), which is a United Nations office based in Manila. She is currently a Special Advisor to the DOH for Global Health and was previously appointed as Special Envoy of the President for Global Health Initiatives under the term of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Secretary Manalo and Undersecretary for Health, Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, MD on behalf of DOH Secretary, Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa both delivered remarks, highlighting the unique qualifications of the Philippine candidate, who carries significant WHO work experience while also embodying the Philippine tradition of professionalism and competence on health issues, as well as the Filipino virtues of excellence, service and compassion.
In her remarks, Dr. Mercado laid out a five-point plan that she will put into action if elected Regional Director for the Western Pacific. This includes (1) enacting of laws by 100% of members states in the western pacific region that align with the global pandemic accord; (2) support for nurses, midwives, and community health workers in every health center; (3) putting in place climate resilient health systems starting with clean running water in 100% of primary health centers; (4) enforcing regulations on vaping; and (5) community action for food and nutrition security.
WHO-WPRO covers 37 countries from east, southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands States, with 30 voting member states. The Post of Regional Director is critical as it translates global health initiatives into regional plans that respond to the specific needs and challenges of countries in the region.
The Office’s main areas of work are communicable diseases, health security and emergencies, noncommunicable diseases, health sector development, and technical support.
If elected, Dr. Mercado will become the first woman to hold the post of Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region.
A total of 14 voting countries represented in Manila, of which nine Ambassadors/Heads of Mission, attended the diplomatic reception.
The text of the message by Sec. Manalo is available via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/3u4m3psd
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