Administrative Services support WHO's programmes and functions in the Western Pacific Region. The Regional Office has been collaborating with Headquarters on the preparation for the roll-out of the Global Management System (GSM) in 2008 and, in particular, with the various solutions testing processes and assistance to the Global Service Centre.
Construction of the new office building and renovation of the original structures at the Regional Office for the Western Pacific were completed in 2006, providing additional facilities for meetings, videoconferences and other activities. Some administrative services were outsourced to minimize costs. The automation of several activities, such as property inventory and staff information, was enhanced to ensure the integrity of the database. New financial regulations approved by the World Health Assembly came into force in 2006 and the relevant instructions have been issued to ensure that expenditure recognition relates only to the current financial year. Pay rates for short-term consultants were revised to make them more competitive with other United Nations agencies and international organizations. Personnel has taken an active role in coordinating and implementing the reform that took effect on 1 July 2007.