Georgia health minister meets new WHO country representative Breda

Georgia’s Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze has met João Breda, the newly appointed head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) country office in Georgia, to discuss the development of the country’s healthcare system and future cooperation.

The meeting focused on progress achieved in Georgia’s health sector, as well as existing challenges, the ministry said on Wednesday.

The two sides reviewed projects implemented jointly by the Georgian government and WHO and outlined future priorities. Particular attention will be given to improving the quality of medical services and patient safety, while work will continue on primary healthcare reform, digital health technologies and the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector.

The meeting also highlighted the need to strengthen responses to chronic non-communicable diseases and cancer.

Sarjveladze described WHO as one of Georgia’s key partners and said cooperation with the organisation was a government priority.

He said Breda’s experience and expertise, together with the WHO’s local and international teams, would further support efforts to strengthen Georgia’s healthcare system.

Breda has more than 15 years of experience in senior positions within WHO. Before taking up his post in Georgia, he served as WHO Special Representative in Greece and headed the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care and Quality of Care in Athens.

He also established the Athens Centre of Excellence, which focuses on improving healthcare quality and patient safety, reducing inequalities, and promoting innovation and leadership in healthcare.

Breda previously led WHO Europe’s work on food and nutrition action plans and physical activity strategies and headed the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, which he helped establish.

Portugal’s Ministry of Health awarded Breda a gold medal for outstanding contributions to healthcare. He has also twice received WHO Awards of Excellence as part of teams recognised for their work.