The seventy-first session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Western Pacific was held in Manila, Philippines, from 6, 7 and 9 October 2020. RCM71 being held virtually over the course of three half-days on Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 October. Member States reviewed standard items such as the programme budget, as well as a series of progress reports. The technical agenda items this year are: vaccine-preventable diseases; safe and affordable surgery; and ageing and health. The Regional Director presented his report on our work over the past year, and Member States discuss COVID-19.