This week I am attending the seventy-sixth session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Western Pacific held from 20 to 24 October 2025 in Nadi, Fiji
https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/governance/regional-committee/session-76
Dr Helen L. Blake, Holly McAlister and I are attending as representatives of the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP). We have submitted three statements addressing the agenda items (oral health, mental health, and tobacco control) and one has been selected for presentation on the floor.
We have been granted permission from WHO and IALP to present our research “Children Draw Health to Advance Health Equity”.
Children across the world were invited to create and describe an artwork to present their perspectives about health and healthcare by considering the following prompts: What makes you healthy? Who helps you be healthy? Where do you go to get healthier? What would your ideal hospital or health service look like? A children’s advisory group considered 126 drawings by children from 18 countries to create this summary document. The views of children with disability are featured. The brochure is available here: https://www.csu.edu.au/research/childrens-voices-centre/home
The meeting was opened by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director-General, World Health Organization
Regional Director: Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala is the Regional Director for the Western Pacific. His theme is “Weaving health for all” focusing on equity and health resilience.
Here are some quotes from the Regional Director’s speeches
Health
“Health remains the thread that defines dignity and hope”
“Health is not a luxury, but a right”
Teamwork
“Weaving health is not about perfect threads – it’s about the strength of the weave. Let us continue this journey together”
“If you want to go fast – go alone. If you want to go far – go together”
Leadership
“Leadership is not about being in charge, but taking care of those in your charge”
“Thank you to our chair for steering us through our acronyms…”
Some countries were celebrated for eliminating trachoma (preventable blindness), measles and rubella. 25 years ago Western Pacific was polio free.
We have had wonderful discussions with many people during the week including:
- Dr Mark Jacobs is the Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO
Representative to the South Pacific. He is an alumni of Charles Sturt
University
- Honourable Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, Minister of Health for the Cook Islands, Chairperson at the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific
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| Dr Helen L. Blake, Holly McAlister, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala (WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific), Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod |
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| Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod (CSU), Dr Mark Jacobs WHO Representative to the South Pacific, Dr Helen L. Blake (CSU), Honourable Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, Chairperson at the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Holly McAlister (CSU) |
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| Distinguished Professor Sharynne McLeod (CSU), Dr Helen L. Blake, Holly McAlister |
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| Dr Ki Dong Park, WPRO Office, POLHN |
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| Regional Director's dinner |
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| Regional Director's dinner |
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| Regional Director's dinner |
