Dili, Timor-Leste – September 10, 2026
The 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia concluded today with member states adopting landmark decisions to advance health equity, strengthen health systems, and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage. The four‑day meeting brought together health ministers, senior health officials and delegates from across the region.
Dili Declaration on Human Resources for Health
The declaration, signed by all attending ministers, pledges to reduce gaps in access to specialized services and to improve workforce planning. It calls for national leadership mechanisms to be established by 2027, baseline assessments by 2028 and costed implementation plans by 2030.
"Equitable access to specialized care is essential for achieving health for all," said Dr Maria Santos, WHO Regional Director for South‑East Asia.
Resolutions on Medical Devices and Diagnostics
For the first time, medical devices, in‑vitro diagnostics and assistive technology featured as a dedicated agenda item, resulting in a resolution that promotes a life‑cycle approach to access. Countries will develop national mechanisms by 2027 and complete baseline assessments by 2028.
Health Facility Resilience
A new resolution calls for risk‑based investment in infrastructure and critical systems such as water, energy, sanitation, oxygen, communications and supply chains. It emphasizes climate‑resilient, low‑carbon facilities and emergency preparedness, with special attention to Small Island Developing States.
Blood Safety and Patient Safety
Member states agreed to strengthen governance, legislation, financing and accountability for blood systems, and to expand equitable access to safe blood products. The resolution also promotes incident reporting, workforce capacity building and public reporting of patient‑safety indicators.
Sustainable Health Financing
The committee adopted a resolution urging countries to adopt evidence‑based priority‑setting, strategic purchasing and national health accounts, supported by health‑technology assessment.
Tuberculosis Elimination
Member states reaffirmed their commitment to end TB by 2030, emphasizing rapid diagnosis, WHO‑recommended diagnostics, active case finding, and people‑centred treatment, including for drug‑resistant TB.
Immunization and Vaccine Confidence
The meeting highlighted the need to strengthen access to quality immunization services, engage communities, track behavioural drivers of vaccination and combat misinformation. Particular focus was placed on zero‑dose and missed children in remote and underserved areas.
Extended Action Plan on Viral Hepatitis, HIV and STIs
The integrated regional action plan was extended to 2030, strengthening surveillance, diagnostic and treatment capacity at primary health‑care and subnational levels.
"These decisions provide a stronger platform to turn commitments into action, advancing equity and moving us closer to health for all," said Dr Abdul Rahman, Minister of Health, Maldives.
Sources
- WHO South‑East Asia Regional Committee session concludes with landmark decisions to advance equity and Health for All, 10 September 2026, Dili, Timor‑Leste.
- WHO Regional Committee page, image of Dili, 2026.
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