Minister of Health A. Pečkauskas met with Dr. H. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
On Thursday, 19 September, Lithuanian Minister of Health Aurimas Pečkauskas met with Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, Director of the European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). During the meeting, they discussed a range of health issues, including emergency management in Europe and globally, pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, mental health and the health impact of climate change.
The meeting also touched on global health threats such as b-pox, the consequences of the Gaza conflict and other important emergency issues. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen health systems, with a particular focus on emergency preparedness and the pandemic treaty. Dr Kluge highlighted the need to strengthen the resilience of health systems, to invest in digitalisation and mobile health services to ensure an adequate response to future challenges.
During the meeting, Dr Kluge expressed his positive views on Lithuania's efforts to transform its health system. "Lithuania has made significant progress in recent years in transforming its health system and building on the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. Digitisation and mobile health services have advanced since the pandemic, and primary care has been strengthened by multidisciplinary teams, with nurses playing a greater role. There is also a will in Lithuania to increase access to mental health services," said the WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Despite the progress, Kluge also pointed to some of the challenges Lithuania faces. "Only 48% of Lithuanian adults say they are in good health - one of the lowest rates in the EU. By 2050, almost a third of the country's population will be 65 or older, and this is reflected in a healthcare labour market that is also ageing rapidly. I am convinced that Lithuania is taking the bold and progressive steps needed to transform its health system to ensure better health and prosperity for generations to come," he said.
One of the main highlights of the meeting was universal health coverage. Minister Pečkauskas, together with the WHO Regional Director for Europe, discussed the importance of strengthening access to health care - ensuring that everyone receives the health care they need without high financial costs. During the meeting, Minister Pečkauskas thanked the Director of the WHO European Region for the attention and support he has shown to the country in addressing various challenges related to the health system.
"We are now actively implementing the lessons learned from the pandemic, with new infectious disease wards being built across the country to help manage future infectious disease emergencies. It is encouraging that the ongoing transformation of the health system is visible and appreciated in global organisations such as the WHO, where expert advice can be obtained. I believe that systematic action will help to extend healthy life expectancy and increase access to health services for all the country's population," said the Minister.
The meeting also focused on the situation in Ukraine. One of the WHO leaders recently visited Ukraine, where he visited Odessa, Poltava, Dnipro oblasts and Kiev. The meeting touched on the health systems and humanitarian situation in that country. Both sides expressed their strong support for Ukraine in its defensive war.
Prior to his visit to Lithuania, Dr Kluge also visited other Baltic countries - Estonia and Latvia - where he discussed current health system issues. During his visit to Lithuania, he is scheduled to meet with academics and students, heads of medical institutions and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.