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WHO session discusses public health response to Europe's migrant crisis

Xinhua, September 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

The public health impact of large-scale migration in Europe is being discussed during the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee's session which started on Monday in Vilnius.

It is the first time the WHO's Committee for Europe convenes in the Baltic States.

The current large influx of migrants in Europe calls "for a regional, comprehensive and systematic public health response," Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, was quoted as saying in a statement.

"As refugees and migrants move, intercountry coordination must be strengthened across the European Region, as well as with the countries of origin and transit," she added.

Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite stressed in her welcome address to the participants of the session that Europe will be facing new challenges ahead, particularly those of migratory flows and a changing society.

"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 head of the state noted.

Senior officials attending the meeting called for continued involvement and support from WHO to respond adequately to the growing numbers of refugees arriving in Europe. The organization claims it will continue its support to countries by offering medical supplies, training personnel and providing information materials.

It was also decided that a high level WHO conference would be organized as soon as possible to agree on a common public health approach to large-scale migration in Europe.

The session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, taking place in Vilnius exhibition center Litexpo, is attended by health ministers, 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 Sept. 17. Endit