Sarah Murphy MS, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
I had the privilege of attending the 30th annual meeting of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regions for Health Network, held in St Pölten, Austria, between 25 and 28 November.
The three-day meeting brought together leaders and health experts from the 44 Regions for Health in the 26 WHO European countries and focused on some of the challenges we collectively face, including healthy ageing, prevention, integrated care, and digital health transformation.
I had an opportunity to highlight our new, 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and had bilateral discussions with Elisabeth Bräutigam, member of the Executive Board of the Health Agency of Lower Austria, who is responsible for health and care.
Sharing Wales’ experience on the global stage demonstrates how smaller countries can lead innovation in public health. By learning from other European countries, we can deliver better health and wellbeing outcomes for our populations. Wales has a long-standing relationship with WHO Europe and the Regions for Health Network. This is reflected in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Welsh Government and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, which covers health equity and rights; investment for health and wellbeing and the essential underlying conditions of health, sustainable development and prosperity for all.
The Memorandum of Understanding, along with our participation in wider European networks such as the Regions for Health Network, strengthens our international connections and supports us in achieving the goals of a healthier and more prosperous Wales.