WHO`s Health Assembly opens 66th Session in Geneva
Baku, May 21 (AZERTAC). WHO`s Health Assembly, the world`s largest health policy-making body, opened its 66th Session today in Geneva with around 3000 participants from around the world. Major health issues to be discussed include: preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancers and chronic lung disease; monitoring of progress countries are making towards the Millennium Development Goals; intensifying efforts to eradicate polio; protecting more children from vaccine-preventable diseases; supporting countries in their efforts to move forward with universal health coverage.
Health in the post-2015 agenda, WHO`s budget for 2014-2015, and progress on the Organization`s reform are also on the agenda.
In her opening address to the Health Assembly, WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan noted that the world is facing challenging times, including financial crisis, job insecurity, armed conflicts and large numbers of people living on the edge, fearing for their lives.
“In these troubled times, public health looks more and more like a refuge, a safe harbor of hope that allows, and inspires, all countries to work together for the good of humanity,” says Dr Chan.
She also acknowledged the important role of the International Health Regulations for detecting and responding to public health emergencies, including those caused by a new disease.
In addition to the delegates from WHO Member States, representatives from many agencies, organizations, foundations and other groups contributing to improving public health will also be in Geneva to engage in dialogues around key topics at WHO`s World Health Assembly.
Other news in this section
