MPs have an essential role in health – Speaker Luveni

The fourth ‘Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health’ commenced on August 23 in Manila, Philippines. The World Health Organization and the Congress of the Philippines are jointly organizing the meeting under the theme ‘The Role of Parliamentarians in Strengthening Financing and Regulation for Universal Health Coverage’

In a discussion moderated by the Speaker Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni, she reminded delegates attending the event of the essential role of parliamentarians in health by enacting legislation, approving budgets and mobilizing resources, providing oversight to ensure government accountability and transparency, ensuring national implementation of global commitments, and fostering the participation of constituencies.

Hon. Dr Luveni added that these values will ensure the achievement of tangible results and these can be reported in the next forum of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health.

Over 50 parliamentarians from 21 Asia-Pacific countries are attending the meeting. The forum gives the parliamentarians opportunities to exchange views, provide political assistance, enhance their capacity and develop collaboration with the aim of ensuring sustainable activity of the health sector.

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