World Health Care Experts Descend on Melbourne

The World Health Summit Regional Meeting (WHSRM) 2024 is set to convene in Melbourne this week, uniting stakeholders across diverse sectors of global health. 

This milestone gathering marks the inaugural occasion of the World Health Summit in Australia, underscoring Melbourne’s reputation as a leading global hub for health conferences. 

The successful bid to host the WHSRM 2024 was led by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in partnership with Monash University and with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program. Taking place between 22 April – 24 April at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, delegates will converge to exchange knowledge, forge new partnerships, ignite fresh research avenues, and examine policies aimed at delivering significant improvements in health outcomes. 

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said, “We’re delighted that Melbourne will soon be welcoming global ministers and health experts from around the world for the World Health Summit Regional Meeting.

“Healthcare conferences provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, which can inspire and lead to significant breakthroughs that can deliver measurable and meaningful impacts on health outcomes.”

Melbourne’s global reputation in medical research and innovation, combined with the Victorian Government’s investment in developing Melbourne’s innovative medical precincts, has contributed to the city’s success as a top global destination for hosting conferences in the healthcare sector.

“Excellent infrastructure and joint collaborations between universities, research institutes and hospitals have created a city where the world’s brightest minds gather to inspire, innovate and create real change in world-leading research and development,” said Ms Swanson.

During the three-day meeting, there will be over 40 sessions where delegates will be prompted to contemplate topics such as strategies that are necessary to attain and sustain enhanced health and well-being for individuals in the Asia-Pacific region over the next 5-10 years, existing strengths that can be leveraged and if they are imperative systemic changes or advancements that need to be altered. 

Notable speakers include industry leaders such as: 

• Saia Ma'u Piukala, Regional Director for the Western Pacific, World Health Organisation (WHO)
• Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care
• Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Former Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme
• Titilola Duro-Aina, Pacific Chief of Health, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
• Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Minister of Health and Medical Services, Fiji 
• Papaarangi Reid, Deputy Dean Māori & Head of Department, Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, University of Auckland 
• Michael Marmot, Director, UCL Institute of Health Equity 
• Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Monash University Malaysia 
• Ajay Tandon, Lead Economist, World Bank 
• Tay Choon Hong, CEO, Health Promotion Board, Singapore