(October 1st , 2024) KOROR, PALAU – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, concluded a highly successful five-day visit to Palau, reinforcing the strong partnership between WHO and the island nation in addressing critical health challenges.
During the visit, Dr. Piukala met with high-level government officials, including President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Minister of Health Gaafar J. Uherbelau, to discuss Palau’s health priorities and explore ways to enhance collaboration between WHO and the country’s health sector.
Key highlights of the visit included:
- Discussions on strengthening Palau’s health system resilience
- Review of progress on non-communicable disease prevention and control
- Exploration of innovative approaches to address climate change impacts on health
- Commitment to support Palau’s efforts in achieving universal health coverage
President Whipps expressed his gratitude for the visit, stating, “We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Piukala’s visit and the continued support from WHO. This partnership is crucial for the health and well-being of our people.”
The Ministry of Health and Human Services echoed this sentiment, highlighting the productive nature of the discussions and the concrete plans developed for future collaboration.
Message of Thanks and Gratitude from The Minister of Health and The Government of Palau.
“The Government of Palau extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala and the entire World Health Organization for their unwavering support and commitment to improving health outcomes in our nation. We are grateful for the expertise, resources, and guidance provided by WHO, which have been instrumental in strengthening our health systems and addressing our unique health challenges.
This visit has not only reinforced our existing partnership but has also opened new avenues for collaboration. We look forward to working closely with WHO to implement the strategies discussed and to continue our journey towards a healthier Palau.
The success of this visit underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health issues. We are thankful for WHO’s recognition of Palau’s specific needs and their dedication to tailoring support to our context.
As we move forward, we are inspired by the shared vision of health for all and are committed to working hand in hand with WHO to achieve our health goals and contribute to the broader mission of global health improvement.” Minister Gaafar J. Uherbelau