COLOMBO, Oct. 13 -- The 78th Session of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Committee for South and South-East Asia commenced in Colombo on Monday (13), with a strong focus on promoting healthy ageing through strengthened primary healthcare and combating the rising use of smokeless tobacco.

The three-day event, hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, brings together health ministers and senior officials from all 11 member states of the region. The delegates will also discuss expanding the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) and accelerating action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which WHO has identified as one of the top global health threats.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO...