Regional Consultation to Develop the Strategic Action Plan and Targets for Prevention and Control of NCDs in the South-East Asia Region Guide For Participants (28.01.2013) 25th - 27th February 2013, New Delhi, India
1. Date and Place A Regional Consultation to develop Regional Strategic Action Plan with Indicators and Targets for Prevention and Control of NCDs in SEA Region is to be held at WHO/SEARO, New Delhi, India from 25 to 27 February 2013 in New Delhi, India. 2. Travel arrangements 2.1 General Airport All flights to/from New Delhi arrive/depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 (www.newdelhiairport.in). Some national carriers arrive/depart from Terminal 2: Indigo, Spicejet, Go Air etc. Pre-paid taxi facilities are available at both airport terminals. Participants staying at The Imperial Hotel will be provided complementary airport transfers. Venue Participants staying at The Imperial Hotel will be provided complementary transfers to / from the venue (WHO/SEARO). Participants requiring any travel-related assistance during the Regional Consultation may contact the representative of the WHO Travel Agency (American Express Travel) at the venue. As the Registration of the Regional Consultation is scheduled to start at 0800 hrs on 25 February 2013, participants are advised to arrive in New Delhi on 24 February 2013. 2.2 Air Travel According to the Rules of WHO, we are obliged to ensure that the flight is by direct route and at the cheapest rate possible. The WHO Travel Agents, M/s American Express, and/or WHO Representative Offices in SEAR Member States have been requested to provide air tickets by the most direct, and cheapest air fare excursion fare tickets, if available, or by economy class to New Delhi, India from the airport nearest to your place of residence. For participants from SEAR Member States, the respective WHO Country Office will make the necessary travel arrangements including issuing the air ticket. Please inform them of your confirmation, at the earliest. If you make any changes in the proposed itinerary and the type of ticket provided by the travel agent or if you arrive in New Delhi, India prior to the date of Regional Consultation, the additional cost and travel time will be your personal responsibility.
2.3 Subsistence Allowance (Per Diem) All participants supported by WHO, will receive a subsistence allowance (per diem) for the duration of the Regional Consultation, plus travel time; excluding the day they reach their respective duty stations/ place of residence, travelling by the most direct route. The participants who confirm their stay at The Imperial Hotel will be entitled to a special per diem of USD 328/- * per day. Please note that 90% per diem will be paid and should be collected prior to departure from the concerned WHO Country Office in your country. As per WHO Rules, 10% perdiem will be deducted for the dates of the Regional Consultation, as lunch will be provided at SEARO. Please confirm your participation at the earliest. (* Current UN per diem rate as stated above, subject to change.) 2.4 Visas Participants are required to carry valid passports or applicable travel documents. They should obtain a valid visa for India for the entire duration of their stay, from the relevant IndianEmbassy/ HighCommission/ Consulates (http://www.mea.gov.in/indian-missionsabroad.htm) before undertaking travel to India. It may be noted that a visa will be granted only if the passport remains valid for a minimum period of six months. In all cases, travelers are reminded that visas will not be issued on arrival in India. In case participants require assistance from WHO for obtaining an Indian visa, they are requested to kindly contact the Regional Consultation Secretariat. Participants usually require the following documents to support their visa applications: Letter of Invitation from WHO-SEARO; Valid passport; Completed application form; and Two photographs. Processing time for visa on average is about 10 14 days. If any other document is required on behalf of the WHO, we would be there to assist. 3. General and Practical Information 3.1 Geography and Climate Delhi is situated in the central plains of northern India, on the western bank of the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges. The surrounding country is flat and semi-arid. The Yamuna River is shallow and narrow most of the year but overflows its banks during the monsoon.
Climatically, three seasons can be identified as follows: (1) The cold season from November to February, characterized by low rainfall (warm clothing is recommended, as the evenings can be cold, especially in the months of December and January); (2) The period from March to June, generally dry and increasingly hot (light cotton clothing is recommended for day-time wear); and (3) The monsoon season from July to September, hot and humid (light cotton clothing is recommended for day-time wear; a raincoat or an umbrella may be useful). 3.2 Local Time Indian Standard Time (IST) is the same throughout the country and is ahead of the Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT) by 5 hours and 30 minutes. 3.3 Security For the purpose of identification and security, participants are requested to wear their Regional Consultation ID Cards while attending the Regional Consultation. New Delhi is a large city with a population of around 15 million. As such, visitors may expect the petty crime rate and personal security situation comparable with many other international cities of this size. There are no specific security threats at this time; however, visitors to New Delhi are advised to carry personal identification at all times, practice sound security awareness and use common sense during their stay in New Delhi. Participants may contact the SEARO Field Security Officer Mr Carlos Araujo for advice on email araujoc@searo.who.int; or mobile +91 9958 99 4666 at any time. 3.4 Electricity / Taxis Electricity: The electric current in Delhi is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles, single phase. Taxis: Taxis in Delhi are metered and the tariff charged is as per the meter (tariff schedules should be available with the drivers). 3.5 Banking Services Currency exchange services are available at The Imperial Hotel or at WHO/SEARO. Participants who wish to avail of this facility may contact the Regional Consultation Secretariat at WHO/SEARO or the Travel Desk at the lobby of the Hotel with a valid passport and identification of their room numbers. 3.6 Currency / Foreign Exchange The monetary unit of India is the Rupee (INR). Currency notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000; Coins: Rupees 1, 2, 5 and 10. The
prevailing market rate of exchange is approx. INR 54 per US Dollar and INR 73 per Euro (http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter/). 3.7 Travelers Cheques / Credit Cards US Dollar and UK Pound and other travelers cheques can be cashed in at most banks and from authorized money changers. Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners Club, VISA and Master Card, are accepted by most banks and hotels. 3.8 Medical Arrangements A doctor is available 24 hours in the Hotel. For any medical problem, participants are advised to contact the Duty Manager at the lobby of the Hotel. 3.9 Health Vaccination is not required unless you are coming from yellow-fever zones. Food precautions are the same as anywhere else. Drink only bottled water. Do not eat raw vegetables, only eat fruits that you can peel or cut yourself. Be wary of eating food from street food stalls. Use insect repellant when necessary and use sunscreen liberally when exposed to the intense, tropical sun. 4. Hotel Arrangements A block reservation for the participants has been made at: The Imperial Hotel (5-Star) 1, Janpath, New Delhi 110001, India Tel: +91-11-23341234 / 41501234 Fax: +91-11-23342255 www.theimperialindia.com 4.1 Payment of Hotel Bills Participants are requested to settle their hotel bills directly with the hotel. Payment can be made in Indian Rupees, Travelers Cheques (USD) or Cash (USD). All major international credit cards are accepted. 4.2 Room Reservation The Imperial Hotel is offering a special rate per night for our Regional Consultation participants. Confirmed room reservations at the given rate need to be made prior to 11 February 2013. Please inform the Secretariat (gautamr@who.int) regarding your travel itinerary and preference of room prior to the cut-off date. After the cut-off date, unavailability of rooms or additional charges may become applicable. This rate would include on a complimentary basis Airport transfers SEARO transfers
Buffet Breakfast Wifi Tea / Coffee making facility in the room Daily 02 bottles of Mineral water Use of Hotel gymnasium & pool Daily National newspaper & International Newspaper (on request) Personal electronic safe in the room Early check-ins and late check-outs, if required, subject to availability INR (per night) 11,000.- (single) Remarks Excludes taxes 12,000.- (double) 5. List of Participants A provisional list of participants will be circulated at the time of the Regional Consultation. 6. WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, India WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia World Health House Indraprastha Estate New Delhi-110002 India Regional Consultation Secretariat E-mail: gautamr@who.int; kishorek@who.int Mobile: +91 98 1010 2768 Landline: +91-11-23309622, 23309516 Working hours: Monday through Friday 0800 to 1630 hours