Report of the thirty-eight meeting of the Consultative Committee for Programme Development and Management

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA Thirty-eighth Meeting of the Consultative Committee for Programme Development and Management, Yangon, Myanmar, 30 August - 2 September 2001 SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 2 September 2001 REPORT OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH MEETING OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT THE THIRTY-EIGHTH meeting of the Consultative Committee for Programme Development and Management (CCPDM) was convened by the Regional Director in Yangon, Myanmar, from 30 August to 2 September 2001. The Committee’s conclusions and recommendations on the six agenda items are contained in Sections 5 to 10 of this report. Section 5 contains a review of the WHO collaborative programmes implemented during the first eighteen months of the biennium 2000-2001. Section 6 deals with the joint evaluation of two priority intercountry programmes implemented during 2000-2001. Section 7 contains the review and noting of the detailed work plans for the period 2002-2003, for the country, Regional Office and Intercountry programmes. Section 8 contains the observations and recommendations of CCPDM, on the regional implications of the decisions and resolutions of the Fifty-fourth World Health Assembly and the 107th and 108th sessions of the Executive Board, and review of the draft provisional agenda of the 109th session of the Executive Board. Section 9 deals with the report on the meetings of the coordinating bodies of the following two WHO Global Programmes: o UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases: Joint Coordinating Board (JCB) o WHO Special Programme for Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction: Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC) Section 10: Technical discussions on "Mental Health and Substance Abuse, including Alcohol" were held on 1 September 2001. The report and recommendations arising out of the technical discussions will be submitted to the Regional Committee. SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1 2. INAUGURAL SESSION................................................................................................. 1 3. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND RAPPORTEUR ......................................................... 1 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF A DRAFTING GROUP (Agenda item 2)..................................... 1 5. REVIEW OF WHO COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMMES IMPLEMENTED DURING THE FIRST EIGHTEEN MONTHS OF THE BIENNIUM 2000-2001 (Agenda item 3.1) .......................................................................................................... 1 6. EVALUATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF TWO PRIORITYINTERCOUNTRY PROGRAMMES DURING 2000-2001: (A) TOBACCO FREE INITIATIVE, AND (B) IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE MARGINALIZED AND VULNERABLE GROUPS (Agenda item 3.2) .......................................................................................... 2 7. REVIEW OF DETAILED WORK PLANS FOR PROGRAMME BUDGET 2002-2003 (Agenda item 3.3) ........................................................................................ 4 8. REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECISIONS ANDRESOLUTIONS OF THE FIFTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY AND THE 107TH AND 108TH SESSIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD, AND REVIEW OF THE DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDAS OF THE 109TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AND THE FIFTY-FIFTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY (Agenda item 4) ............................................................................................................. 5 9. REPORTS BY COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVES ON THEIR ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BODIES OF WHO’S GLOBAL PROGRAMMES (Agenda item 5) .................................................................................. 6 9.1 UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases: Joint Coordinating Board (Agenda item 5.1) 9.2 WHO Special Programme for Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction: Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC) (Agenda item 5.2) ………………………………... 7 10. TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE, INCLUDING ALCOHOL (Agenda item 6) ......................................................... 7 11. ADOPTION OF REPORT .............................................................................................. 8 12. CLOSURE ..................................................................................................................... 8 ANNEXES 1. Agenda .........................................................................................................................9 2. List of Participants ......................................................................................................10 SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 1. INTRODUCTION The thirty-eighth meeting of the Consultative Committee for Programme Development and Management (CCPDM) was held at the Traders Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar, from 30 August to 2 September 2001. 2. INAUGURAL SESSION In the absence of the Regional Director, Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director and Director, Programme Management read the inaugural address. Welcoming the participants, the Regional Director stated that CCPDM would be considering some very important items. The review of the WHO collaborative programmes for the first eighteen months of the biennium 2000–2001 revealed that the overall implementation rate for the regular budget, including earmarking, as of 15 August 2001 was 98%, compared to 87% for the same period in the previous biennium. The 53rd session of the Regional Committee had recommended proactive involvement and participation of Member Countries at all stages of the intercountry programme, including planning and programme evaluation. Accordingly, two intercountry programmes relating to “Tobacco-free initiative” and “Improving the health of the marginalized and vulnerable groups” were evaluated by a joint team composed of representatives from Member Countries and staff from the Regional Office. The Regional Director urged CCPDM to discuss the issues thoroughly and with a sense of great responsibility. The CCPDM's report containing its recommendations on crucial areas would be submitted to the 54th session of the Regional Committee for its consideration. 3. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND RAPPORTEUR Mr G.R. Patwardhan (India) was elected Chairperson, and Mr Ahmed Salih (Maldives) as Rapporteur. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF A DRAFTING GROUP (Agenda item 2) A Drafting Group, consisting of Dr Wanchai Sattayawuthipong of Thailand, Dr Hla Pe of Myanmar, and Ms J.A.S.S. Gunawardhene from Sri Lanka, was established to prepare the report of the meeting. 5. REVIEW OF WHO COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMMES IMPLEMENTED DURING THE FIRST EIGHTEEN MONTHS OF THE BIENNIUM 2000-2001 (Agenda item 3.1) Introducing the Agenda item, Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director, stated that the background document on this important agenda item provided information on the implementation of the WHO collaborative programmes at SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 Page 2 the country and intercountry/regional levels during the period 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2001. The document had been presented in three parts and under eight major headings in line with the Programme Budget for 2000-2001. The document, prepared on the basis of contributions received from the WHO country offices and technical units in the Regional Office, indicated an improvement in the implementation of technical programmes through WHO’s joint collaborative efforts with the Member Countries. Discussion Points
 It was pointed out that the activities relating to Accident and Injury Prevention were reported under the broader heading of Social Change and Mental Health. As Accident and Injury Prevention is recognized as a significant problem area in the Region with a substantial budget allocation, it was felt that these activities should be reported under a separate heading.
 The Committee noted that the amount and percentage of surrendered reserves had been declining since the 1994-1995 biennium due in a large measure to: increased efficiency; establishment and monitoring of implementation targets (i.e. 75 per cent at the end of the first year and 100 per cent by the end of June during the second year of the biennium); and the introduction of mechanisms to minimise currency fluctuations. However, surrender of some reserve was inevitable.
 Given the effectiveness of early implementation targets in reducing carry- over of funds into the next biennium and the need to further limit the surrendering of reserves, there was a consensus to set enhanced targets for the 2002-2003 biennium. Even with stricter implementation targets, the countries could maintain flexibility to reprogramme funds to address unanticipated programme requirements. Recommendations (1) Implementation targets for the 2002-2003 biennium should be set at 85 per cent by 31 December of the first year, and 100 per cent by 30 June of the second year. (2) The implementation of the revised targets at the country and regional levels should continue to be closely monitored. 6. EVALUATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF TWO PRIORITYINTERCOUNTRY PROGRAMMES DURING 2000-2001: (A) TOBACCO FREE INITIATIVE, AND (B) IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE MARGINALIZED AND VULNERABLE GROUPS (Agenda item 3.2) In her introduction, Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director, stated that in accordance with the suggestions of the 53rd session of the Regional SEA/PDM/Meet 37/8 Page 3 Committee and the High-Level Task Force for Intercountry Collaboration, established by the Regional Director, two ICP-II programmes, namely, “Tobacco-free Initiative” and “Improving the health of marginalized and vulnerable groups” were selected for evaluation. The evaluation was undertaken in five countries and the Regional Office by a joint team comprising country representatives nominated by the Member Countries and the Regional Office staff, based on pre-determined criteria. The report of the joint evaluation team, finalized in May 2001, was now being placed before CCPDM for its review. The CCPDM's comments and observations would be presented to the Regional Committee. Discussion Points
 The Committee appreciated the work of the evaluation team and endorsed its findings and recommendations.
 The scope of FCTC activities implemented under the ICP-II programme on the Tobacco-free Initiative noted in the evaluation, were further elaborated. It was noted that the evaluation team reviewed the actual achievement of the expected results as well as the implementation process, including how it benefited the Member countries.
 The Committee highlighted the Evaluation Team's recommendation that the areas chosen for support through the intercountry programme should continue over at least two biennia.
 The Committee noted the importance of evaluation. It appreciated that the majority of the recommendations of the evaluation team had already been taken into account while preparing the RO/ICP and country work plans for the next biennium.
 It was clarified that the team members from the countries were selected on the basis of the countries' involvement in the ICP programmes and the expertise available there.
 The Committee, while reviewing the composition of the evaluation team, suggested that it should include an expert in the field from outside the Region. Such experts could be drawn from other parts of the Organization or from centres of excellence, including WHO collaborating centres. Recommendations (1) The joint evaluation exercise should be continued within the overall context of WHO's evaluation framework. (2) The areas chosen for support through the intercountry programmes should continue over at least two biennia. (3) The joint evaluation team should include an expert from outside the Region. SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 Page 4 7. REVIEW OF DETAILED WORK PLANS FOR PROGRAMME BUDGET 2002-2003 (Agenda item 3.3) Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director, introducing the subject, stated that the detailed work plans for 2002-2003 for country, Regional Office/ICP, and the supplementary intercountry programme (ICP-II), submitted to CCPDM were the first to be prepared within the context of an integrated “One WHO” programme budget. In the coming biennium, there would be closer linkages between the work plans of the country ofices, Regional Office and WHO headquarters with each level contributing to global expected results to which WHO, as a single organization, was committed. In order to measure achievements and to ensure transparency and accountability, indicators had been defined. The work plans had been formulated through consultations among national counterparts, the WHO country office and the Regional Office to ensure that they were complementary, mutually supportive and avoided unnecessary duplication. The work plans for ICP-II had been developed through an approach unique to SEAR with greater participation by Member Countries, addressing the priority health needs of the Region. A high-level task force was established by the Regional Director to advise him on strengthening intercountry collaboration during 2002-2003. The task force identified 14 content areas for developing ICP-II work plans, reflecting global priorities and regional priorities as noted by the 53rd session of the Regional Committee as well as priorities identified by the individual countries in their WHO Country Cooperation Strategies. Based on a recommendation made by the high- level task force, the Health Secretaries, at their sixth meeting, proposed to the Regional Director that the funding for ICP-II should be at least at the same level as that of the 2000-2001 biennium, that is US$ 3.73 million. Following a process of intensive consultation between the countries, WHO country offices and the Regional Office, the task force reviewed and finalized the detailed work plans for ICP-II for 2002-2003. Mr Helge Larsen, Director, Budget and Management Reform, WHO headquarters, stated that the structure and contents of the work plans reflected well the collaborative spirit of "One WHO". Discussion Points
 The Committee reviewed and noted the draft work plans for RO/ICP as well as country programmes.
 The Committee noted that, for the first time, work plans for RO/ICP provided a clearer picture of the activities of the Regional Office. The increased transparency was appreciated.
 The Committee appreciated the efforts of the Regional Office in presenting the work plans for supplementary intercountry programme (ICP-II) in accordance with the recommendations of the high-Level task force for Intercountry Cooperation. It was favourably noted that minimum budget was allocated for supplies, fellowships and short-term staff. SEA/PDM/Meet 37/8 Page 5
 The Committee suggested that a summary table on the same lines as that of ICP-II be included for ICP-I work plans. This should also highlight the category of expenditure e.g. APW, STC, S&E, etc. The cost of long-term staff should also be included in the individual work plans.
 The Committee noted that the work plans reflected clear linkages with global expected results.
 The Committee noted that the SEAR Health Ministers, at their meeting in August 2001, had identified areas for inclusion in the Organization-wide priorities for the 2004-2005 biennium. In accordance with resolution WHA54.1, these inputs would be conveyed to the Director-General for inclusion in the General Programme of Work. Recommendations (1) The draft work plans should be presented to the 54th session of the Regional Committee for noting. (2) While finalizing the work plans, summary tables for ICP-I work plans should also be provided, identifying categories of expenditure. 8. REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECISIONS AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE FIFTY-FOURTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY AND THE 107TH AND 108TH SESSIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD, AND REVIEW OF THE DRAFT PROVISIONAL AGENDAS OF THE 109TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AND THE FIFTY-FIFTH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY (Agenda item 4) Introducing the agenda item, Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director, said that previously, only those resolutions and decisions adopted by the WHO governing bodies which had significant regional implications were brought to the attention of the Member States. In accordance with the suggestion of the fifty- third session of the Regional Committee in 2000, all the resolutions adopted and decisions taken by the 107th and 108th sessions of the Executive Board and the 54th World Health Assembly were being placed before the CCPDM for its review. The comments and observations of the CCPDM would be placed before the Regional Committee. Ms Poonam Singh added that the draft provisional agenda of the upcoming 109th session of the Executive Board was reviewed by CCPDM. The comments and observations, apart from providing guidance to the WHO Secretariat, would also be useful to the members of the Executive Board from the SEA Region who would be attending the meetings of the governing bodies next year. The CCPDM then considered the resolutions/decisions and made the following observations and recommendations: SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 Page 6 Discussion points
 The Committee noted the actions taken and proposed as contained in the working paper SEA/PDM/Meet.38/7.
 With regard to the regional implications of resolutions WHA54.10 and WHA54.11, the Committee noted the importance of equity and access to essential medicines, especially drugs related to priority diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
 The Committee stressed the need for and importance of sustainability of traditional medicine in the countries of the Region. It urged the Regional Office to further focus on promotion of traditional medicine and use of plant- based drugs. WHO should assist Member States in evaluating the progress made in promoting the use of traditional medicine.
 With regard to resolution WHA54.17, "Assessment for the financial period 2002-2003", the Committee noted that four countries would face an increase in the assessed contribution in 2003. This situation would be reviewed at the Executive Board and World Health Assembly in 2002. It was important that the EB members and the delegates to the Health Assembly from the Region should have a clear and consistent approach to the issue. It was noted that in 2002 the anticipated deficit in the overall WHO regular budget would be made up from Miscellaneous Income. In 2003, however, it was possible that there would be a shortfall, unless payment of arrears from the major contributors materialized. If this did not happen, the Director-General would have no other option but to implement a budget cut. Recommendations (1) WHO should continue to enhance its support for traditional medicine, with special emphasis on the use of plant-based drugs and integration of alternative/traditional medicine with the national health care systems. (2) The Member Countries of the Region should work towards having a scale of assessment which reflects the ability to pay the assessed contributions. 9. REPORTS BY COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVES ON THEIR ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING OF THE COORDINATING BODIES OF WHO’S GLOBAL PROGRAMMES (Agenda item 5) 9.1 UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases: Joint Coordinating Board (Agenda item 5.1) Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director, in her introductory remarks, said that the UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, known as TDR, had been functioning under the aegis of WHO. A Joint Coordinating Board (JCB) had been established to coordinate the SEA/PDM/Meet 37/8 Page 7 interests and responsibilities of the parties cooperating in this Special Programme. From the SEA Region, representatives from India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka attended the 24th session of JCB, held in Geneva on 25-26 June 2001. On behalf of the participants, Dr K.C.S. Dalpatadu of Sri Lanka reported on the meeting. Among other issues debated at the meeting, the JCB called upon TDR to maintain close collaboration with other special programmes of WHO, particularly regarding vaccine development and other related activities. They also emphasized the use of geographical mapping in forecasting and control of epidemics, the use of traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, and the need for TDR to support vector control research, including transgenic vector control. Discussion point
 The CCPDM noted the report. 9.2 WHO Special Programme for Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction: Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC) (Agenda item 5.2) Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director, said that the Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC) of the Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) acted as a governing body and was responsible for HRP's overall policy and strategy. To coordinate the interests and responsibilities of the collaborating partners, the PCC reviewed and decided upon the planning and execution of the Special Programme, including the budget. At present Bangladesh, India and Indonesia are members of the PCC from the Region. Representatives from India and Indonesia participated in the 14th PCC meeting held on 20-21 June 2001 in Geneva. On behalf of the participants, Dr Setiawan Soeparan of Indonesia reported on the proceedings of the meeting. Highlighting the salient deliberations, he said that a wide range of activities including the report of the eighteenth meeting of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group was presented and discussed. The PCC noted that in the context of development, family planning was critical and needed to remain at the forefront of the reproductive health and development agenda. The PCC commended the Scientific and Ethical Review Group (SERG) in strengthening institutional capacity in developing countries for ethical review of research in reproductive health and suggested that SERG takes into consideration relevant existing international guidelines on the use of tissue, gametes and pre-embryos in research. Discussion point
 The CCPDM noted the report. 10. TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE, INCLUDING ALCOHOL (Agenda item 6) Technical discussions on "Mental Health and Substance Abuse, including Alcohol, were held on 1 September 2001. Dr. K.C.S. Dalpatadu, Deputy Director-General, SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 Page 8 Department of Health Services, Sri Lanka, was elected as the Chairperson and Dr Gado Tshering, Director of Health, Ministry of Health and Education, Bhutan was elected as the Rapporteur. The report and recommendations arising out of the technical discussions will be submitted to the Regional Committee. 11. ADOPTION OF REPORT The CCPDM reviewed the draft report of its thirty-eighth meeting and adopted it with minor modifications. 12. CLOSURE Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Deputy Regional Director and Director, Programme Management, congratulated the members of CCPDM for a very productive meeting and lively discussions. The recommendations of the CCPDM would now be submitted to the Regional Committee. She congratulated the Chairman for not only conducting the meeting effectively with his skillful handling of the discussions but also for ensuring a cordial environment that helped fruitful deliberations. She expressed her appreciation for the excellent arrangements and hospitality of the national authorities. The Regional Director, Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei, expressing his pleasure at being able to attend the closing session of CCPDM, stated that due to the joint efforts of the Member Countries and WHO, it was possible to achieve programme implementation targets. The guidance given by CCPDM would be useful to the countries and the WHO secretariat in regard to programme development and management. The Chairman, in his concluding remarks, congratulated the Rapporteur and the drafting group for preparing a report that truly reflected the discussions. He also appreciated the support provided by the WHO Secretariat. He then declared the meeting closed. SEA/PDM/Meet 37/8 Page 9 Annex 1 AGENDA 1. Opening session 2. Establishment of Drafting Group 3. Programme Budget 3.1 Review of WHO collaborative programmes implemented during the first eighteen months of the biennium 2000-2001, i.e. 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2001 3.2 Evaluation of Implementation of two priority intercountry programmes during 2000-2001: (a) Tobacco free initiative; and (b) Improving the health of the marginalized and vulnerable groups 3.3 Review of Detailed Work Plans for Programme Budget 2002-2003 4. Regional implications of the decisions and resolutions of the Fifty-fourth World Health Assembly and the 107th and 108th sessions of the Executive Board, and Review of the draft provisional agendas of the 109th session of the Executive Board and the Fifty-fifth World Health Assembly 5. Reports by country representatives on their attendance at the meeting of the coordinating bodies of WHO’s global programmes: 5.1 UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases: Joint Coordinating Board (JCB). 5.2 WHO Special Programme for Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction: Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC). 6. Technical Discussions on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, including Alcohol 7. Concluding session SEA/PDM/Meet.38/8 Page 10 Annex 2 LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Bangladesh Professor A.B.M. Ahsan Ullah Director-General of Health Services Mr Md Afzal Hossain Joint Secretary (WHO and Public Health) Ministry of Health Bhutan Dr Gado Tshering Director, Health Department Ministry of Health and Education Mr Pemba Wangchuk Head, Policy Planning Division Ministry of Health and Education DPR Korea Dr Kim Myong Dok Director Department of Science and Technology Ministry of Public Health Dr Pak Tong Chol Dr Kim Son II , Interpreter Ministry of Public Health India Mr G.R. Patwardhan Additional Secretary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Indonesia Professor Dr Azrul Azwar Director-General of Community Health Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Dr Setiawan Soeparan Chief, Bureau of Planning Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Ms Nasirah Bahaudin Chief, Division of International Cooperation Bureau of Planning Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Maldives Mr Ahmed Salih Deputy Director Ministry of Health Dr Sheena Moosa Head of the Planning and Monitoring Section Ministry of Health Myanmar Dr Kyi Soe Director-General Department of Health Planning Ministry of Health Dr Wan Maung Director-General Department of Health Ministry of Health Professor Maung Maung Wint Director-General Department of Medical Sciences Ministry of Health Professor Paing Soe Director-General Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) Ministry of Health Dr Myint Lwin Director-General Department of Medical Research (Upper Myanmar) Ministry of Health Dr Myat Moe Acting Director-General Department of Traditional Medicines Ministry of Health Dr Hla Pe Deputy Director-General Department of Health Ministry of Health Dr Soe Aung Deputy Director-General Department of Health Ministry of Health Dr Maung Maung Win Deputy Director General Department of Medical Sciences Ministry of Health Dr Soe Thein Deputy Director-General Department of Medical Research (Lower Myanmar) Ministry of Health SEA/PDM/Meet 37/8 Page 11 Dr Pe Thet Htoon Director International Health Division Ministry of Health Nepal Dr Som Nath Aryal Special Secretary Ministry of Health Dr Shyam Prasad Bhattarai Chief, Policy, Planning, Foreign Aid and Monitoring Division Ministry of Health Sri Lanka Mrs J.A.S.S. Gunawardhene Senior Assistant Secretary (Planning & Monitoring) Ministry of Health Dr K.C.S. Dalpatadu Deputy Director General (Planning) Ministry of Health Thailand Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Health Dr Wanchai Sattayawuthipong Director Bureau of International Health Ministry of Public Health Mrs Rossukon Kangvallert Senior Policy and Plan Analyst Bureau of Policy & Plan Ministry of Public Health Ms Waranya Teokul Director Macro Social Study and Social Investment Policy Section Ofice of National Economic and Social Development Board WHO Secretariat Ms Poonam Khetrapal Singh Deputy Regional Director/Director, Programme Management Mr Helge Larsen Director Budget and Management Reform WHO Headquarters Dr Than Sein Director Evidence and Information for Policy Mr David M. Nolan Director Administration and Finance Dr Agostino Borra WHO Representative in Myanmar Dr Kan Tun WHO Representative in Sri Lanka Dr Harry Feirman Planning Officer Dr Vijay Chandra Regional Adviser Health and Behaviour Mr Daniel Walter Budget and Finance Officer Dr Akinori Kama Administrative Services Officer Mr Jitendra Tuli Acting Reports and Documents Officer Dr Vikram Patel WHO Temporary Adviser for Technical Discussions on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, including Alcohol Dr Myo Paing WHO National Professional Officer Yangon Mr Avinash Singh Special Assistant to Deputy Regional Director and Director, Programme Management Mr M.R. Kanaga Rajan Administrative Assistant, Evidence and Information for Policy Mr S.K. Madanpotra Administrative Assistant to Director, Administration and Finance Mr Ravi Menon Travel Assistant