With Syria’s participation, the 78th World Health Assembly begins in Geneva

With the participation of the Minister of Health, Dr. Musab Al-Ali, the 78th World Health Assembly began in Geneva under the slogan “One World for Health.” It will continue until May 27.

This year’s main theme, according to a statement published by the World Health Organization on its official website, affirms the organization’s enduring commitment to solidarity and equity, highlighting that everyone, everywhere, should have an equal opportunity to live a healthy life.
The statement noted that WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus considered this year’s World Health Assembly to be truly historic, as countries will consider adopting the first global compact aimed at improving the protection of people from pandemics.
He emphasized that the agreement on pandemics has the potential to make the world safer by promoting fair cooperation among countries in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
This will be the second proposal submitted for approval under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which grants Member States the authority to reach agreements on global health.
During this session, the Health Assembly will consider approximately 75 items and sub-items and is expected to approve more than 40 decisions. The agenda also includes a range of topics on the WHO’s work program, such as the health and care workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies and preparedness, polio, climate change, and social communication as determinants of health, among other issues.
The Health Assembly brings together high-level country representatives and other stakeholders to address health challenges.
This year’s meeting comes at a critical juncture for global health, as Member States face emerging threats and major shifts in the global health and international development landscape.
The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, setting the organization’s policies and approving its budget. Delegations from all Member States participate in the Health Assembly.

Raghda Sawas