The 78th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia began today(13), in Colombo, hosted by Sri Lanka. 

The three-day event runs until 15 October.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is attending alongside health ministers from eight countries.

Key discussions will centre on adopting a declaration on healthy ageing through strengthened primary healthcare, and strategies to combat smokeless tobacco and novel nicotine products.

The committee will also deliberate on expanding the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) and accelerating action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).