DG, RDs, DDGs, ADGs, WRs, colleagues and friends
A very good morning / afternoon to you all
This year, we reminded the world of both the individual, and the collective.
We marked World Health Day by saying “My health, my right.”
And then we gathered, for the 77th time, at our World Health Assembly, proclaiming "All for Health, Health for All.”
In the years to come, we will look back at 2024 as the year we agreed on wide-ranging, decisive amendments to improve the International Health Regulations.
We will also look back at this year as the year we took critical steps forward in shaping a global pandemic accord.
We will look back at 2024 as the year when Jordan became the first country in the world to be officially verified and acknowledged for eliminating leprosy.
In our South-East Asia Region, this was the year we continued our significant success in reducing maternal mortality rates.
The work of every single individual in our Organization makes possible these successes as a collective.
Each and every one of you has worked tirelessly to serve our noble cause.
It is because of you that millions will lead happier and healthier lives. While they may never know your name, we will never forget your efforts.
We face the new year in a turbulent time and a chaotic world. There are challenges ahead we can anticipate, and those we cannot.
Now, more than ever, we will need to work with speed, dedication, innovation, and - most of all - efficiency.
Before I conclude, I would like to take you back to 1948, to the 4th of October.
A Conference was convened in India's Ministry of Health, to form the first Regional Committee for South-East Asia.
In inaugurating this conference, Prime Minister Nehru of India, declared that the political conflicts of the world were caused mainly by fear.
Therefore, he said, the solution of political and economic problems could be assisted by greater international cooperation in matters like health.
Because, he said, there was no reason for any kind of conflict in matters like health.
As Prime Minister Nehru spoke, WHO was barely 6 months old.
He said he welcomed the new organization, not only for what it could achieve in health, but also because of the wider influence it could exert in fostering the friendship of nations.
I think that remembering this noble sentiment is a wonderful way to start the new year.
Thank you, happy holidays and a happy new year to you all.