Korea, WHO kick off World Bio Summit in Incheon for healthy, secure future

Korea's health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday launched the annual World Bio Summit, bringing together health care officials from governments and global organizations to Korea for talks on international cooperation in the health care sector.

Under the theme "Future investments for a healthy and secure decade," the event will run through Tuesday in Incheon, just west of Seoul, attended by more than 80 representatives from governments and global bodies, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

"This year's event will provide an opportunity for the world to discuss ways to address future health care crises more flexibly and promptly, based on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic," Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said.

"The Korean government will strengthen global cooperation with the WHO to enhance health care security while driving innovation and investment for a healthy and secure future," Cho added.

In a video message, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also emphasized the importance of global solidarity in addressing "multiple overlapping health threats," including climate change, conflict and disease outbreaks.

"Collaboration, sharing knowledge and targeted investment in research and development are essential for developing innovative health products needed to meet these challenges," Ghebreyesus said.

"WHO thanks the Republic of Korea for its partnership, which WHO looks forward to deepening in the years ahead to strengthen global health security, and looks forward to working with you closely," the director-general added, referring to Korea by its official name.

During the event, participants aim to share insights on post-pandemic health care agendas, including establishing a stable global supply chain, training biotech experts and exploring other ways to bolster international cooperation.

Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Saia Piukala, the WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, as well as Lao Health Minister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith.

On Tuesday, Park will meet Philippe Duneton, the executive director of Unitaid, a global health initiative that provides health care support to developing nations.

On the sidelines of the event, the Asian Development Bank, Unitaid, the International Vaccine Institute and the Research Investment for Global Health Technology Foundation will also host seminars and gatherings to promote global cooperation, the health ministry said. (Yonhap)