Saia Maʻu Piukala set out challenges and priorities as he prepared to attend the World Health Summit in Berlin (12-14 October) and a Regional Committee meeting in Fiji (20-24 October 2025). He says the US withdrawal forced WHO to rethink and restructure globally. Member states in the Western Pacific have increased support and WHO wants to use this new momentum to find partners and resources to meet its work.
Multilateral tools like the International Health Regulations and the new Pandemic Agreement are key for regional preparedness. WHO also builds philanthropic links with the Asia-based Institute of Philanthropy and spoke at an Asian Venture Philanthropy Network event in Hong Kong. Combating misinformation is a priority, and WHO is investing in infodemic management across programmes.
Piukala urged action on the commercial causes of non-communicable diseases, naming hypertension, diabetes and cancers linked to tobacco, alcohol, processed foods and fossil fuels. He noted industry pushback and aggressive marketing to young people, including advertising for e-cigarettes and vapes. In September, WHO announced elimination of measles and rubella in 21 Pacific Island Countries.
Difficult words
- partnership — A relationship between two or more groups.partnerships
- health — The state of being free from illness.health systems
- organization — A group with a specific purpose or activity.organizations
- support — Help or assistance given to someone.
- climate — The usual weather conditions in an area.climate change, climate problems
- funding — Money provided for a specific purpose.funding challenges
- impact — The strong effect or influence something has.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think partnerships are important for global health?
- How does climate change affect health systems?
- In what ways can philanthropy help organizations like WHO?
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