WHO steps up response to health emergencies in South-East Asia

The World Health Organization (WHO) is enhancing multi-source surveillance in the Southeast Asia region to strengthen public health information and decision-making during complex health emergencies. The initiative was announced on 13 March during a three-day virtual regional meeting. Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the need for strong laboratory systems and multi-sectoral collaboration to improve data sharing and surveillance capacity. Officials from Member States, public health laboratories and surveillance sectors discussed strategies to improve international information sharing and cross-border collaboration. The initiative was launched to address uncertainties in health emergencies, including pandemics, climate-related diseases, zoonotic threats and antimicrobial resistance. WHO aims to support countries in implementing multi-source surveillance, ensuring timely responses and sustained investment in diagnostic capacity to ensure regional health security.