The 78th session of the World Health Organization in Geneva kicks off under the slogan "One World for Health."
The 78th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva kicked off today, Monday, May 19, with the participation of the Minister of Health, Dr. Musab Al-Ali. The event will continue until May 27 under the theme "One World for Health."
The World Health Organization emphasized in a statement on its official website that this year's theme reflects the organization's commitment to solidarity and fairness, stressing that "even in unprecedented times, everyone everywhere should have an equal opportunity to live a healthy life."
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the organization, described this session as "historic," as member states will consider adopting the first global accord aimed at enhancing pandemic preparedness.
He added that "the pandemic treaty can make the world safer by promoting fair cooperation among countries in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response."
This proposal was developed over three years of intense negotiations led by the International Governmental Negotiating Body composed of all member states. Its adoption is considered a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to prevent a recurrence of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Assembly's agenda includes the discussion of 75 items and sub-items, with expectations to approve over 40 resolutions, as announced by the organization. Key issues on the agenda include: health and care workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies and preparedness, polio eradication, and the impact of climate change and social determinants on health.
The Assembly is attended by high-level representatives from member states and health experts, as the organization faces emerging health threats and major shifts in the global health and international development landscape.
