U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Surgeon, Rear Adm. Louis C. Tripoli, spoke at the Global Health Security Conference in Sydney, Australia June 19, 2019.
The conference brought together stakeholders across the fields of public health, medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, government, defense, international relations, sociology and anthropology to examine the progress made to date in strengthening health systems and to identify the gaps and opportunities for enhancing the international community’s ability to respond more efficiently and effectively to future adverse health crises.
The Conference caps off a nearly month long trip in which Tripoli participated in the Health and Humanitarian Actions in Emergencies Course, visited the Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, attended the World Health Organization event “Scaling Up Country Health Emergency Preparedness” and co-hosted the Military Health Security Summit with the Australian Defence Force.
Tripoli’s trip highlights USINDOPACOM’s commitment to working with all nations, particularly those of Oceania, to develop and strengthen a robust and resilient capability to prevent, detect, and respond to health security threats, as well as prepare for, mitigate and respond to humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
“In a deliberate, sustainable and transparent way, we are committed not only to delivering enhanced medical capabilities to the vital region of Oceania,” said Tripoli, “but also to finding ways that allow Pacific Island nations to develop self-reliability and self-determination in the delivery of healthcare and the promotion of health for their people.”
“The people of the Indo-Pacific face rising health challenges at a time when resources are insufficient to meet them, which threatens the stability of the region and its biosecurity,” said Triploi. “USINDOPACOM is working with our allies and partners and the whole of the U.S. government to find sustainable solutions to these challenges.”
Article adapted from original by Petty Officer 1st Class Robin Peak, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
