The 73rd session of the Regional Committee for Europe of the World Health Organization began in Astana.

The session is attended by ministers of health and other high-ranking officials from the 53 WHO Member States in the European Region, as well as representatives of international organizations. Azerbaijan is represented at the event by a delegation led by Health Minister Teymur Musayev.

Areas related to protecting human health, improving sanitary and hygienic conditions in the Member States of the Regional Committee, as well as the main problems of the European Region in the field of health will be discussed.

The event was opened by the Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the Organization’s Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri Kluge. It was noted that 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of WHO and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Alma-Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care. Focused on the health and well-being of people in the European Region, the session will provide an important opportunity to discuss progress in health care delivery, global advances in public health over the past 75 years and exchange experiences in addressing future challenges.

In turn, he said that this year’s session will be devoted to discussing the digitalization of healthcare in the countries of the region, the widespread use of artificial intelligence, the use of modern ICT achievements and technological solutions in medical education, improving the working conditions of social and medical personnel, as well as work in the field of hospital modernization. It was noted that in preparation for further steps for the next two years, actions will be planned to overcome existing and new challenges to ensure the health of citizens in the region.

Speaking at the opening of the session, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Teymur Musayev, noted that ensuring the health of the population is important for achieving the goals of sustainable development and creating strong healthcare system: “In connection with life expectancy growing on a global scale, protecting the health of the population becoming a paramount task. One of the aims of the “Strategy for Socio-Economic Development of Azerbaijan Republic for 2022-2026”, approved by the Decree of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic, is to ensure a healthy lifestyle for citizens.

Teymur Musayev emphasized that in order to better prepare for emergencies and timely eliminate their consequences, a sustainable global health infrastructure is necessary: “It is important to take adequate measures both at the international levels to reduce risks in the health sector”.

The Minister highlighted that comprehensive development cannot be realized without peace and security. “As a result of the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and the local anti-terrorism measures carried out last month, Azerbaijan restored its territorial sovereignty. Now a lot of work is being done towards the restoration of territories liberated from occupation and the return of internally displaced persons to their lands. The provision of medical care services to residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan has been organized. However, excessive contamination of previously occupied lands with mines and explosives is a serious obstacle to the return process. Since the end of the Second Karabakh War, more than 300 citizens, most of them civilians, have been killed or seriously injured by mine explosions. This is a serious problem for our healthcare”, the minister said.

The session will be continued with discussions on various topics in panel sessions and will end on October 26.

The Regional Committee is the highest decision-making body for the 53 WHO Member State in the European Region, which sets the direction for actions to improve people’s health and hygiene.