Omi Shigeru, director of the Regional Office for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization (WHO), is making a speech at the 56th WHO Regional Committee Meeting held in Noumea, New Caledonia. This meeting, which takes place in the presence of health ministers from around 20 nations in the Asian-Pacific area until September 23, will handle broad issues such as the prevention of bird flu, the eradication of AIDS, the promotion of childrens health, and financing for medical insurance.