Newsletter 04/2024: Look Back at the WHS Regional Meeting 2024 in Melbourne

Dear colleagues and friends,

Reflecting on the recent World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2024 in Melbourne, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and optimism. This gathering with more than 1,100 participants from Australia, the Pacific region and worldwide, including leaders and decisionmakers from all sectors, has showcased the dynamism and determination of our global health community. It has also reinforced the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing health challenges. A particularly impactful aspect focused on the health of Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the urgent need for their inclusion and respect within global health strategies. This was supported by the launch of a special publication with the Global Governance Project and the World Health Organization under the title “Health: A political choice - Advancing Indigenous peoples’ rights and well-being”.

The success of the Melbourne meeting was made possible by the dedication of countless individuals who worked tirelessly to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and innovation. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the organizers, speakers, and participants who contributed their expertise and insights. Your involvement is pivotal in driving forward our collective agenda for a healthier world!

As we move forward, let us carry the momentum from Melbourne into our ongoing efforts and upcoming engagements. Together, we can make significant strides towards a future where good health and well-being are accessible to all. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the World Health Summit's mission.

Stay safe, stay healthy!

Under the motto "Shape the future of health across Asia and the Pacific", the WHS Regional Meeting 2024 kicked off in Melbourne on April 22 for three days filled with important discussions on the health priorities of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. 

The first ever WHS Regional Meeting in Australia brought together leaders from diverse sectors, disciplines and cultures to share knowledge, catalyze new partnerships, inspire new research opportunities, and explore policies that can deliver measurable and meaningful impacts on health outcomes. Participants were challenged to consider the questions: What would it take to achieve and sustain better health and wellbeing for people in the Asia-Pacific over the next 5-10 years? What are the strengths to build on? And what are the systems that need to change or evolve?

Thank you to the host Monash University led by WHS international co-presidents Christina Mitchell and Sophia Zoungas, as well as to all sponsors and supporters, for helping realize this tremendous meeting.

Find all information as well as impressions from Melbourne on the WHS Regional Meeting webpage
 

Regional Meeting 2024 in Numbers

- 3 days
- 47 sessions / events
- 4 plenary sessions, 24 concurrent sessions
- 218 speakers and moderators
- 59% female speakers
- 1,120 registered participants representing 44 countries, 17 from the Asia Pacific
- 60+ hours of content 
 

Regional Meeting 2024 Takeaways

“We know the challenges are complex but we can’t solve them by ignoring the complexity. That’s why we need all of you here.”
Sharon Pickering, Vice President and Chancellor of the WHS Regional Meeting 2024 host Monash University 

“Let me suggest to you today that our success depends on the extent to which we listen to communities.”
Saia Ma’u Piukala, Regional Director World Health Organization Western Pacific Region 

“Despite all differences and where we come from, we all have one wish in common: good health. We have a lot of responsibility here to strengthen this."
Axel R. Pries, World Health Summit President 
 

In the Media

Media reports on the WHS Regional Meeting 2024 and further media coverage can be found here

Check out the WHS social media channels on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram to get more quotes, photos, and impressions from #WHSMelbourne2024. 

Health: A Political Choice - Advancing Indigenous peoples' rights and well-being 

At the WHS Regional Meeting 2024, the Global Governance Project in collaboration with WHO and the World Health Summit launched a special edition publication in the series "Health: A Political Choice" that features various perspectives on advancing indigenous peoples' health. 

Read the full publication

Since 2000, there has been a remarkable 51% decrease in global under-five mortality rates, with the number of child deaths reaching a historic low of 4.9 million in 2022. This achievement underscores the dedicated efforts in global health policy and practise. However, despite this progress, millions of children, particularly newborns and those in marginalized communities, continue to face threats to their health and survival, emphasizing the ongoing need for targeted investments in accessible, quality healthcare and strengthened data systems to address underlying inequalities and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Source: WHO / UNICEF

Expert Meeting: Oral and General Health

This is the last chance to register for in-person participation at the upcoming Expert Meeting on June 12-13, 2024 organized by M8 Alliance member Sapienza University of Rome. The meeting pioneers the inclusion of oral health in global health initiatives in line with the WHO Global Action Plan on Oral Health and features renowned speakers, including experts from NYU, Harvard, Tehran University, University of Bern, and University of Gothenburg. 

On-site participation is open to members of the M8 Alliance, however, spots are limited. Please register until April 30, 2024. Online participation is open for everyone.

Register here

Program and speakers

Check out the latest info, recent projects, and upcoming events on the Charité Center for Global Health website.

World Health Summit 2024

Berlin, Germany & Digital 

October 13-15