Palestine has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The conclusion of the World Health Assembly (WHA) marked this historic moment, with Palestine gaining all the rights afforded to other countries within the WHO, except for voting. Notably, Palestine's membership was made possible by the support of Maldives, among other countries.
In a social media post, Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Khaleel highlighted Maldives' advocacy for Palestinian rights during the WHA, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's directive. Minister Khaleel represented Maldives at the assembly, held in Geneva, Switzerland.
During his address, Minister Khaleel reiterated Maldives' unwavering support for Palestine, condemning the acts of genocide and terror directed towards its people. He called on the WHO to increase its support to Palestine, particularly in ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and facilities amid ongoing conflicts.
Moreover, the minister also condemned the extreme terror attacks by Israel and urged for legal avenues to support Palestine. Maldives participated in the vote, aligning its stance with improving healthcare conditions in Palestine.
The 77th WHA, themed "All for Health, Health for All," convened ministers from 192 countries. This assembly provided a vital platform for discussions on global health challenges and prioritised areas for future action.