MINSK, 21 September (BelTA) – The Healthcare Ministry of Belarus has hosted a meeting with a new representative of the World Health Organization in Belarus, a PhD in Virology Dr Sergey Diorditsa, BelTA learned from the press service of the ministry.
“We have maintained very good cooperation within the WHO system,” Healthcare Minister Dmitry Pinevich said welcoming the new WHO representative in Belarus. “We have a long and productive history of joint projects. Thank you for WHO's positive assessment of our country's efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. When the coronavirus was just taking hold, an effective and, most importantly, quick exchange of international practices was established. It is also very important that communication continued through the changing environment caused by the COVID-19. Dr Hans Kluge's visit to our country and his meeting with the president were important milestones. In general, the leadership of the country, represented by our president, values and appreciates WHO's assessment of our efforts and this assessment is really objective,” Dmitry Pinevich said.
The minister emphasized that WHO plays a leading role in developing joint programs with other UN agencies. “It pertains to the allocation of resources amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our interaction with the World Bank (until the imposition of sanctions). WHO mostly played a coordinating role, the role of intermediary and councilor for the World Bank,” he said.
Dmitry Pinevich noted that he often relied on WHO experts when making decisions. “WHO provided support amidst the current turbulence, as well as during the migrant crisis,” the minister stressed.
In turn, Sergey Diorditsa fulfilled an honorable mission and presented Belarus with a WHO's symbolic sign to acknowledge Belarus' efforts to prevent and control the coronavirus infection. “The World Health Organization is pleased with cooperation with Belarus. This is evidenced, among other things, by the election of the country to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization for 2021-2024,” he said.
During the meeting, the parties discussed new projects and cooperation plans of the Republic of Belarus and the World Health Organization.
