WHO Regional Review Committee Meeting on Pandemic Preparedness Begins in Maldives

The WHO Regional Review Committee Meeting on Pandemic Preparedness Health Security has officially begun in the Maldives. The five-day meeting brings together member countries from the WHO South-East Asia region to discuss strengthening public health preparedness, drawing on lessons learned from global health emergencies. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Maldives Health Minister Qeela Ali stressed the importance of developing comprehensive, multi-sectoral plans to protect against potential health threats. Speaking both as a national leader and as a member of the Pandemic Fund board representing the WHO South-East Asia region, she highlighted the need to sustain regional cooperation, strengthen health systems, and enhance monitoring and preparedness. The meeting is expected to assess implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness framework, Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats, and WHO GISRS Unity Studies. According to the Health Ministry, hosting and actively participating in the meeting will bring significant benefits to the Maldives, including stronger national frameworks aligned with regional roadmaps, increased international support for small island states, and capacity-building opportunities with institutions such as the UK Health Security Agency and WHO centres.