Dr Mario Villaverde, Chair of the Board; Professor Gabriel Leung, Chair of the STAC; Members of the Board and STAC,
A very good morning to you all. It is a pleasure and privilege to join you.
The Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies’ (APO) function and mandate are more important than ever.
The emergence and spread of COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on health systems across the world, and the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions are no exception. All countries have experiences to share.
APO is uniquely positioned to collaboratively research, analyze and help policy-makers and partners across Asia Pacific learn from these experiences, and we must harness the opportunity to do so.
APO’s focus on primary health care is especially helpful.
For example, we know that in more than half of all countries surveyed globally, the pandemic has partially or completely disrupted services for some or all noncommunicable diseases, which disproportionately affect both regions.
This platform provides a chance to look at how countries in the South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions have responded, and to identify and adapt best practices.
Similarly, we know that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts older persons, many of whom face difficulties accessing care, not only because services are interrupted, but also because they are reluctant to leave their home.
Innovative interventions, for example the provision of mHealth and telehealth services, can help overcome these challenges, and ensure all people – whatever their age – get the care they need.
I look very much forward to APO’s continued research and analysis on how Asia Pacific countries can strengthen health system resilience, particularly at the primary level.
The health system impact of COVID-19 will be a critical part of APO’s work in the months and years to come. You have an opportunity to drive real change.
Never before have so many leaders, across so many sectors, understood the importance of strong health systems and the social and economic benefits they generate.
I urge you to seize the moment and ensure your research and policy work achieves the impact that it must.
To do that, APO will require sources of funding that go beyond one-time grants and projects.
One solution could be inviting more middle-income countries to join. This will not only expand APO’s membership, but also the evidence base you can draw on.
To that end, I request my colleagues to follow up with country representatives as soon as we have navigated the immediate COVID-19 response and transitioned into the recovery phase.
WHO will continue to provide APO its full support as together we protect and promote health system resilience for a healthier, more sustainable Asia Pacific for all.
I thank you for your invitation to address this meeting and look forward to hearing more about APO’s activities and future direction.
Thank you.