MS, Minister for Mental
Health and Wellbeing: I had the privilege of attending the
30th annual meeting of the World Health Organisation
(WHO) Regions for Health Network, held in St Pölten, Austria,
between 25 and 28 November.
The three-day meeting brought together leaders and health experts
from the 44 Regions for Health in the 26 WHO European countries
and focused on some of the challenges we collectively face,
including healthy ageing, prevention, integrated care, and
digital health transformation.
I had an opportunity to highlight our new,
10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and
had bilateral discussions with Elisabeth Bräutigam, member
of the Executive Board of the Health Agency of Lower Austria, who
is responsible for health and care.
Sharing Wales' experience on the global stage demonstrates how
smaller countries can lead innovation in public health. By
learning from other European countries, we can deliver better
health and wellbeing outcomes for our populations. Wales has a
long-standing relationship with WHO Europe and the Regions for
Health Network. This is reflected in a Memorandum of
Understanding between the Welsh Government and the WHO Regional
Office for Europe, which covers health equity and rights;
investment for health and wellbeing and the essential underlying
conditions of health, sustainable development and prosperity for
all.
The Memorandum of Understanding, along with our participation in
wider European networks such as the Regions for Health Network,
strengthens our international connections and supports us in
achieving the goals of a healthier and more prosperous Wales.
