hepVoice Vol.4 | Page 8

Where in the world... WHO Regional Action Plan meetings WHO Regional Office for the Europe (EURO) WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) Copenhagen, Denmark Jakarta, Indonesia On 4–5 April, WHA participated at the WHO European Regional Office meeting to help guide new action plans on HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis for the WHO European Region 2016–2021. The meeting was especially important as it is the first plan on the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in the WHO European Region. The next steps include an online public consultation and consultations with all European Member States. These are expected to provide important input to the final versions of both action plans. More info here. On 26-28 April, WHA attended the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office meeting to develop a Regional Action Plan on the prevention and control of viral hepatitis. All 11 countries of the region were represented, as well as clinical, public health and civil society experts. WHA was asked to deliver some opening remarks from the perspective of the community, to moderate a panel debate on improving access to medicines, especially generics, and diagnostics in the region, present on creating and seizing global and national advocacy opportunities and facilitate a workshop on how to finance national hepatitis plans. One of our key messages, spelt out in our opening remarks, was the critical importance of tackling stigma and discrimination. We also stressed to the country representatives their commitment through the 8 hep Voice April 2016 UN Declaration on the Sustainable Development Goals to ‘leave no-one behind’ and this became a theme throughout the meeting. Following the meeting a draft Action Plan will be prepared and circulated for comment with the idea that it is presented to the Regional Committee Meeting for endorsement later in the year. hepVoice April 2016 9