President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with a World Health Organization (WHO) official to discuss strengthening collaboration between the country and the global health body in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Welcome to Manila. I know you just finished your conference last week, which I think was quite constructive, very productive,” Mr. Marcos told WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala during the courtesy call.
The President highlighted the Philippines’ efforts to address post-pandemic challenges and emphasized the need for WHO guidance.
“I’m sure Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has explained to you what the Philippines has been trying to do, especially [on] post-pandemic lessons learned. So, whatever guidance that the WHO can provide us is something that we will certainly welcome,” Marcos said.
Piukala, who assumed his role as Regional Director in February 2024, leads WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office in supporting governments and partners across the region.
His visit to the Philippines follows his election to the WHO Regional Committee in October 2023 and his appointment to the Executive Board in January 2024.
The Western Pacific, home to over a quarter of the world’s population, has been a focal point of health initiatives, particularly during the pandemic.