Saia Maʻu Piukala, WHO Western Pacific regional director, described how the United States withdrawal has forced WHO to rethink and restructure globally. He called the moment painful but also an opportunity to diversify funding and refocus priorities. Member states in the Western Pacific have increased support, and WHO plans to use the new momentum to identify which partners and resources must be mobilised to fulfil its mandate. He prepared these points ahead of the World Health Summit in Berlin (12-14 October) and the Regional Committee meeting in Fiji (20-24 October 2025).
Multilateral instruments such as the International Health Regulations and the new Pandemic Agreement are central to regional preparedness. At the Fiji meeting, countries will discuss how to implement these frameworks to strengthen readiness for future health threats. Philanthropic partnerships are also important: collaboration with the Asia-based Institute of Philanthropy aims to connect WHO with new philanthropic actors, and conversations at the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network in Hong Kong have already spurred promising opportunities.
Combating misinformation is a regional priority, so WHO is investing in infodemic management and embedding it across programmes. Piukala urged member states to address the commercial determinants that contribute to the global burden of non-communicable diseases — including hypertension, diabetes and cancers linked to tobacco, alcohol, processed foods and fossil fuels. He warned that large industries may respond with disinformation and aggressive marketing aimed at young people, such as advertising for e-cigarettes and vapes. A major regional success was the elimination of measles and rubella in 21 Pacific Island Countries, announced in September. Piukala, who is from Tonga, said partnerships, diversified funding and stronger regional governance are needed to turn lessons into further progress.
Difficult words
- partnership — Working together for a common goal.partnerships
- health — State of being free from illness.health services, public health, health systems
- resources — Supplies or materials needed for tasks.
- challenge — A difficult task or problem.challenges
- strategy — A plan to achieve a goal.strategies
- disease — A sickness or health problem.diseases
- response — Reactions to a situation or event.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can partnerships improve health services in low-resource countries?
- What roles do organizations like WHO play in global health?
- Why is it important to adapt strategies for public health?
- In what ways can climate change affect health in your community?
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