WHO praises Health Protocol in the 144th IPU Assembly
The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani.
Photo: Eot/Man
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. (H.C.) Puan Maharani expressed her gratitude to all parties that contributed to the organization of the 144th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Bali saying that the health protocols applied during the international parliamentary forum had won praise from the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Despite the praise that has resulted in an increase of the country’s popularity, we must remain alert and keep following health protocols,” said Maharani in her written press release sent to Parlementaria, Monday (28/3/2022).
According to WHO, all activities in the 144th IPU Assembly at the Bali International Convention Centre (BICC), Nusa Dua, Bali, has met the health protocols standard regulated by the world’s health organization. Maharani continued to say that the Indonesian House, as the host of the 144th IPU Assembly, worked with many parties to ensure smooth implementation of the assembly.
“Top security and comfort and convenience enjoyed by all delegations have been made possible with the close cooperation between COVID-19 Task Force and the National Board of Disaster Management (BNPB), Ministry of Health, Local Government of Bali, Regional Police of Bali, and volunteers,” said the Democratic Indonesian Party of Struggle legislator.
Maharani also thanked all health workers for their roles in making essential contribution and ensuring easy access to health facilities, including the COVID-19 screening tests during the assembly. “And certainly, all of these would not be possible without the support from all Indonesian people, especially the people of Bali.,” said Maharani.
Dr. Stella Chungong, Director of Health Security Preparedness Department of WHO that followed all agendas of the 144th IPU, gave her compliment to the Indonesian House for the successful implementation of the IPU Assembly. “Indonesia has made thorough preparation to prevent COVID-19 spread during this event by requiring all participants to take a PCR test at Bali Airport,” Chungong explained.
Chungong also mentioned that consistency of compliance to health protocol-related regulations shown by the organizing committee had made all participants to practice self-disciplined by wearing masks and maintaining safe distance at all times.
Gaudenz Silberschmidt, Director of Health and Multilateral Partnerships of WHO, further described the 144th IPU Assembly was well organized, saying that the management of COVID-19 health protocols in this world event was excellent.
During the event, WHO in cooperation with IPU released guidelines on COVID-19 pandemic handling for parliaments worldwide. This handbook contains International Health Regulations that become guidelines for Members of Parliaments to contribute to the readiness of health security.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Indonesian House’s Commission IX, Charles Honoris, conveyed his appreciation to the organizing committee of the 144th IPU Assembly in relation to the WHO’s good impression, saying that receiving the credit from the international organization charged with spearheading international public health is an impressive record of achievement.
“I highly appreciate the organizing committee’s solid work that has successfully held the event while also applying health protocols strictly. I have every reason to be proud of the achievement. This success is not only an impressive achievement of the Indonesian House but also an outstanding achievement of Indonesia,” Honoris concluded in the closing ceremony of the 144th IPU Assembly. (bia/aha/mar)
