James Kon
The number of cervical cancer cases in Brunei has decreased with the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) initiatives, such as pap smear test registration system, Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) system, vaccination programmes in schools and the setting up of a national guideline for standardisation of screening and patient management said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during the 73rd World Health Assembly Resumed Session held virtually from November 9 to 13.
He added that Brunei continues to welcome global strategies in accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer.
During the assembly, Brunei expressed its commitment to advancing the global agenda in immunisation and shared the measures implemented in the country to protect the citizens and residents from infections such as meningitis.
Brunei also extended its support for the Global Vaccine Action Plan and Draft Resolution on the Prevention and Control of Meningitis Disease which urged member states to further strengthen surveillance and provide preliminary reports on meningitis through a national surveillance system in line with the commitments under International Health Regulations (2005).
The assembly was attended by health ministers and representatives of World Health Organization (WHO) member countries. Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham led Brunei’s delegation.
Brunei’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dayangku Hajah Mazlizah binti Pengiran Haji Mahalee, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the Ministry of Health Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif and senior officers of the MoH also participated.
The assembly is a follow-up to the May 2020 plenary session which focussed on the COVID-19 pandemic. The assembly discussed issues relating to the WHO’s policy, programme and direction as well as technical issues relating to global health.
The assembly reached a consensus and jointly agreed to pass several resolutions on public health issues at a global level. Among them were the global vaccine action plan, epilepsy, neglected tropical diseases, WHO’s works in health emergencies and the nutrition of mothers, infants and children.
