Question: Which of the following country along with 10 other member countries of WHO’s South-East Asian Regional Committee has decided to set up a dedicated fund aimed at building preparedness for health emergencies in the region?
(a) India
(b) Bhutan
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Myanmar
Ans: (a)
Related facts:
- On 9 September 2016 India along with 10 other member countries of WHO’s South-East Asian Regional Committee has decided to set up a dedicated fund aimed at building preparedness for health emergencies in the region.
- Taking part in the 69th session of WHO Regional Committee Meeting at Colombo, they also passed a resolution for promoting physical activity and expanding health workforces across the region.
- The new funding stream will allow countries to invest in infrastructure and human resources that will enhance preparedness.
- In the recent years, earthquakes, cyclones and floods have caused health emergencies in south-east Asian region and it has also been threatened by a range of emerging diseases.
- This includes SARS, MERS CoV, pandemic influenza and Zika virus.
- Establishing a joint funding stream under the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to help countries better prepare for such events was seen by the countries as a key priority for the regional health agenda.
- At present, the density of health care providers in the region is 12.5 per 10,000 persons, which is less than the WHO recommended minimum of 44.5 per 10,000 persons.
- The Regional Committee is WHO South-East Asia Region’s highest decision-making body.
- The region comprises 11 countries – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste.
Reference:
http://www.searo.who.int/mediacentre/releases/2016/1638/en/
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=54892#.V9tI-Pl97IV
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/south-east-asian-nations-to-set-up-fund-to-prepare-for-health-116090900902_1.html