Belarus' cooperation with WHO hailed as fruitful

Dmitry Pinevich hailed the work with the World Health Organization, the WHO Regional Office for Europe as fruitful. In this regard, he cited the cooperation in the fight against noncommunicable diseases, the areas of which are reflected in the state program "People's Health and Demographic Security." The study “Prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors in Republic of Belarus. STEPS 2016 (2017)" was conducted in collaboration with WHO. According to the acting minister, the results allowed reconsidering the approaches to some problems.

Dmitry Pinevich highlighted the WHO's role in creating a health promotion environment in Belarus and implementing international approaches. This work resulted, in particular, in the development of the policy to combat alcohol and tobacco abuse.

Dmitry Pinevich emphasized the WHO's achievements in combating coronavirus infection and the importance of providing the country with up-to-date information.

For his part, Batyr Berdyklychev noted that almost 4.5 years in the post were very busy. "A lot has been done, including thanks to your attitude, readiness for dialogue and professionalism."

The programs have been successfully implemented. Belarus has kept the status of a country that eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis for several years already. An cross-sector strategic dialogue on tobacco and alcohol regulation is underway. “It is difficult to make significant progress in a year or two. I am sure this work will be continued,” he said.

Batyr Berdyklychev praised Belarus' successes in the fight against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. According to him, Belarus is a leader in the introduction of new anti-tuberculosis medications. The WHO Collaborating Centre on introduction of new M/XDR-TB medicines and treatment regimens has been opened at the National Scientific and Practical Center of Pulmonology and Phthisiology. Significant progress has been made in ensuring universal access to HIV treatment.

The parties noted the high level of cooperation between the WHO country office and the country's healthcare system specialists, the Healthcare Ministry. The words of gratitude were voiced for the joint work and hope was expressed that the effective cooperation will continue in the future.

Batyr Berdyklychev was awarded an honorary diploma of the Healthcare Ministry for his personal contribution to strengthening and expanding cooperation between Belarus and WHO.