Manila, Philippines- With over
4,000 registered participants representing more than 70 countries and territories
- the Global Forum on Research and Innovation on Health 2015 is expected to
provide guidance for nations and organisation in developing their research
capabilities and foster greater innovation. Held this year in Manila,
Philippines – the event is a key global action of the Council on Health
Research for Development (COHRED) and is hosted by the Philippine Department of
Science & Technology (DOST), Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Council
on Health Research for Development (PCHRD). This will be the largest meeting of
the Global Forum to date.
“The attendance is a testament to the
importance of the issue for developing nations” says Prof. Carel Ijsselmuiden, Executive Director of COHRED. “With the coming launch of SDGs in September
– we hope to add our voice to the conversation on the ways research and
innovation on health supports the world’s development agenda.”
“This is
truly a proud moment for the Philippines as we host the Global Forum” says
Dr. Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of PCHRD. “The Philippine Council for Health Research
and Development of the Department of Science and Technology, together with
the Department of Health are hosting, what is destined to be, the biggest
meeting to date of the Global Forum. It shows that the health
research and innovation sector of the Philippines is truly alive and well. We
are looking forward to showcasing our achievements, to learn from the
leading global experts in the meeting and to network with our colleagues
from around the world”.
Over 200 research and
innovation experts in health will lead the four-day conference program with
more than 60 sessions on diverse topics ranging from Social Accountability,
Increasing Investments and Country-driven Capacity Building, up to Nutrition
Safety and Security, Health in Mega Cities and Disaster Risk Reduction.
The highlight of the Forum is the opening ceremony
with the delivery of messages from Hon. Mario Montejo, Philippine Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary, Hon. Janette Loreto-Garin,
Philippine Department of Health (DOH) Secretary, Hon. Mmboneni Muofhe, South
Africa Department of Science and Technology Deputy Director-General, Prof.
Carel IJsselmuiden, Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED)
Executive Director and His Excellency Benigno Aquino, Republic of the
Philippines President.
Delivering
his welcome message – Secretary Mario Montejo reiterates the need to shape the
global health agenda and building partnerships towards improvement of health
and development. “This forum is a great
opportunity to share best practices and forge strong partnerships on
people-centered initiatives…Together, we can find appropriate solutions sourced
from all corners of the world,” Sec. Montejo says.
The
keynote address of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino, read by Sec. Montejo,
highlights the spirit of innovation saying that “we must never be satisfied with the status quo, and instead, look at it
[innovation] with a critical eye, towards making constant improvements. It is
precisely in forums like this one that new ideas and partnerships can be
generated-those that may lead to the next medical breakthrough.”
Participants
can look forward to 3 days of intense discussions on various topics shaping the
global agenda for research and innovation for health. Other exciting activities under the Forum include New
Leaders for Health Pre-Forum, IT4Health: Innovations for Global Health, Global
Forum Film Festival 2015, Global Health Debates, and the Photo Exhibit.
“We thank all who contributed to the success of the Global Forum 2015,
including the Government of Philippines, the City of Manila and all our
participants, exhibitors and partners”, continued Prof. Carel IJsselmuiden.
“We wish you all a productive conference
ahead.”
24 August 2015
FOR COHRED
Barbara Ewals (Director for
Partnerships)
Mobile: +63 927 1287723
E-mail: ewals@cohred.org
FOR PCHRD
Ladylove May B. Baurile (Science Research
Specialist I)
Mobile: +63 906 3846684