Speaking in Israel after the WHO Regional Committee for Europe meeting RC72, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge said:-
“In a world of ever-rising health crises, at a time of economic turmoil, we must accept and work within the reality of a new normal requiring a dual-track approach to health. This means, on the one hand, we must significantly invest in preparedness for mounting and often overlapping emergencies. On the other hand, we must ensure that we maintain and strengthen day-to-day essential health services all the more. We need equal emphasis on and prioritization of both – a dual-track approach for the new normal. And this is really a lesson learnt from COVID-19…”
From my perspective, the most interesting thing was Dr Klug’s conclusion: “Despite these challenges, I would like to end on an optimistic note, because optimism is also a form of medicine.
‘Just look at what we can accomplish if we put our minds to it. This week’s Regional Committee has proven that beyond a doubt. It may not always be smooth, but it is not impossible. Let me conclude with a quote in the beautiful Hebrew language from a famous singer in Israel, Arik Einstein, beloved both by the Jewish and the Arab communities. Ani ve'ata neshaneh et ha'olam. Together, you and I, we’ll change the world.”