Brunei Darussalam Reaffirms Commitment to WHO Pandemic Agreement at Regional Meeting
Nadi: Brunei Darussalam is committed to the Pandemic Agreement adopted during this year’s World Health Organisation (WHO) Assembly, including further discussions on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing Annex and action on amendments to the International Health Regulations. The aim is to enhance preparedness and ensure a more equitable response capacity across the Western Pacific region. This was emphasized by the Minister of Health during the 76th Regional Committee Meeting of the World Health Organisation for the Western Pacific Region, held from October 20th to 24th in Nadi, Republic of Fiji.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar expressed that Brunei Darussalam supports the vision of the Regional Director of the Western Pacific Regional Office. The vision underscores that universal health coverage is the foundation of the health delivery system, with a focus on strengthening basic health care, monitoring, and preparedness for public health emergencies to ensure that health services remain resilient. The meeting also emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation in tackling issues such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonoses.
Brunei Darussalam has also made strides in digital health technology through the ‘BruHealth’ 5.0 application, which empowers individuals, strengthens surveillance, and integrates preventive healthcare. The meeting addressed technical issues, including the transition of mental health care to meet global challenges, climate change, and the safety and resilience of health systems.
While in Fiji, the Minister of Health conducted a goodwill visit to The Honorable Doctor Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Minister of Health and Medical Services of the Republic of Fiji, and the Honorable Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. They discussed and exchanged views on health sector developments in their respective countries and regional health issues.