The Health Ministers yesterday met in Indonesia's Yogyakarta to review key health issues in WHO's South-East Asia Region and provide policy direction for future action. India was represented by Minister of State for Health Sudip Bandyopadhyay.
The ministers also focused on the implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
"Strengthening core capacities for implementation of the International Health Regulations continues to present a challenge in many areas including legislation. Capacities in chemical and radiological safety is a priority for many countries," WHO's Regional Director for South-East Asia, Samlee Plianbangchang said.
The Yogyakarta Declaration comes at a time when 8 per cent of the region's population (142 million) are above the age of 60 years. It is estimated that by 2025, estimated proportion of population over 60 years will be twice than that in 2000 and by 2050, it will further increase to three times.
"WHO follows a life-course approach to promoting healthy, active ageing. People who get the right start in life, follow healthy lifestyles and take good care of their health can expect to remain active during their eighth, ninth and even tenth decade of life," WHO's Director General Margaret Chan said. (More)