In her welcome address to the participants the President underlined that the strategic decisions made in Vilnius would serve as a roadmap for the development of national health policies.
"I very much welcome the World Health Organization's call for politicians, especially those in the health sector, to adapt health care systems to the needs of society. The WHO urges to encourage people to seek a healthy life style. It is the only virus that should be caught by all in childhood for the rest of the life," the President said.
The President described the top issues on the session's agenda that focus on the European health system, tobacco control and tuberculosis prevention as a life preservation plan. Europe will be facing new challenges ahead, she said, particularly those of migratory flows and a changing society.
According to the President, the tailoring of the health system to only treating diseases and their consequences is a long outdated practice. Therefore, the European Region physical activity strategy – to be adopted at this session – is highly topical for Lithuania, too, as it works to minimize morbidity and improve general public health.
The President met with Crown Princess Mary of Denmark – officially visiting Lithuania for the first time – who is Patron of WHO/Europe, actively promoting women's health, child mortality and charity issues.
The President also exchanged views with WHO Director General Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab and other guests.
The session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, taking place in the exhibition center Litexpo, is attended by health ministers, or persons delegated by them, with delegations from 53 European states as well as by representatives from the European Commission, international organizations and NGOs.
The session is scheduled to close on September 17.
