Dr Alisha Sahukhan has been appointed by the World Health Organisation as a member of the panel of experts to review the International Health Regulations (IHR).

This was revealed by Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete on the margins of launching the Lymphatic Filariasis Mass Drug Administration rollout in Labasa yesterday.

How are they appointed?

The Director-General of WHO appoints the members of IHR Expert Roster in accordance with WHO Regulations for Expert Advisory Panels and Committees except as otherwise stated in the IHR.

The International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 are a legally binding agreement of 196 countries to build the capability to detect and report potential public health emergencies worldwide.

The regulations require that all countries have the ability to detect, assess, report, and respond to public health events.

The incumbent contributes by correspondence of technical information on developments in his or her field, and to offer advice as appropriate, spontaneously or upon request. Dr Sahukhan is currently the Head of Health Protection.

She was instrumental in the formation of the COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT) which set up the framework and policies which led to the big COVID-19 vaccination implementation right to the opening of our international borders.

As a result, Fiji has seen strong economic recovery since our borders opened.

What it means for Fiji

Dr Waqainabete confirmed that this position would require Dr Sahukhan to travel to Geneva, Switzerland back and forth to attend meetings.

He credited the appointment as a recognition of the strength of the public health services offered in Fiji and the medical officers who put in the hard work to achieve this high status.

Dr Aalisha’s medical profession began in 2011 when she became a medical intern following the completion of her studies from the Fiji School of Medicine (now Fiji National University).

After four years in the medical profession in Fiji, Dr Aalisha was Fiji’s Fulbright Scholarship recipient.

This enabled her to study at the Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, Georgia (for three years).

Upon returning in 2017, Dr Aalisha took up the post of Acting National Advisor Communicable Diseases.

Dr Sahukhan’s husband, a nephrologist, Dr Amrish Krishnan, said he was very proud of his wife’s achievements.

Dr Mika Kama

Also given a big appointment in our health services, was Dr Mika Kama who is now the Medical Superintendent of  Tamavua Twomey Hospital in Suva.

“Dr Kama has really worked hard in that space and acting position and showed the qualities which allowed him to shoulder the responsibility and support the upgrades and gains the hospital had made over the years,” Dr Waqainabete said.

Story by: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj