WHO lends a hand on public health

Health Secretary Dr Ravi Ruberu and World Health Organization Representative Dr Firdosi R Metha exchange views on the books related to public health, donated by the WHO.

A consignment of valuable text books on Public Health was handed over recently to Health Secretary Dr Ravi Ruberu by World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Sri Lanka Dr Firdosi R Mehta recently.

The World Health Organization has taken steps to improve the training of health sector personnel required for the Public Health Programs in Sri Lanka, under the direction of WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Dr Samlee Plianbangchan.

The WHO Regional Director recently visited the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kalutara and had discussions with the officials regarding further development of NIHS. He also ceremonially opened a Public Health Museum at the NIHS constructed with WHO assistance.

Action has been already initiated under the guidance of WHO Representative in Sri Lanka Dr Firdosi R Mehta to develop the NIHS as a Regional Training Centre for Public Health and a WHO Collaborating Centre.

A follow-up Mission from the WHO Regional Office in New Delhi comprising Dr Muzaherul Huq (Regional Advisor on Human Resources Development) and Dr. Prakin Suchaxaya (Regional Advisor-Nursing & Midwifery) visited Sri Lanka recently to facilitate the development of the NIHS.