Belarus’ Health Ministry has received certificates from the World Health Organisation stating that the country has officially eliminated epidemic roseola and morbilli, also registering the break in local malaria spread in the European region. The information is to be found on the Health Ministry’s site.
During the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe
The certificates were issued as part of the 66th session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for Europe — featuring the Health Minister of Belarus, Vasily Zharko. The elimination of diseases is based on the lack of endemic cases of morbilli and epidemic roseola in a certain geographical territory for at least 12 months. A well functioning system of epidemic supervision is also key in this respect.
Mr. Zharko reported on the prophylaxis and treatment of major infection diseases, also presenting a draft resolution to the Regional Committee on the adoption of Minsk’s declaration: Coverage of All Stages of Life in Context of Health-2020 Policy Provisions.
The Belarusian Minister held meetings with health ministers and delegation heads from Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, the leaders of the WHO’s Regional Office for Europe and UNAIDS — focusing on the topical issues of bilateral co-operation.
The session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for Europe was hosted in Denmark’s Copenhagen, from September 11th-15th. Its participants discussed the action plan aimed at prophylaxis and fight against non-infectious diseases, the plan of action of the Health Protection Department regarding fight against AIDS and hepatitis in the WHO’s European Region. The strategy and action plan regarding the health of migrants and refugees was also in focus, as well as a plan aimed at the support of women’s health and wellbeing in the region, and strengthening the health care systems.
By Alexander Dmitriev
