Maldives have attended the 72nd World Health Assembly held by World Health Organisation (WHO).
Around 4,000 delegates from 194 member states are attending the week-long conference, which will last until May 28. The world health assembly is the largest meeting with health policy makers, actors drawn from across the world while several decisions regarding global health would be taken during this meeting.
The Maldivian delegation is led by Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen, accompanied by the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva Dr. Hala Hameed and high level staff of the Ministry of Health and Permanent Mission of Maldives to the United Nations Office at Geneva. Minister Ameen will also represent Maldives as the Vice Chairman of Committee B of the Assembly.
Furthermore, the health minister will deliver the official statement at the plenary of the World Health Assembly on behalf of Maldives on the topic Universal Health Coverage: Leaving no one behind on the second day of the Assembly.
During the address, the minister highlighted like all small island developing states with geographical dispersion and resource limitations Maldives face challenges in provision of healthcare services adding however, Maldives remain committed to ensuring safe, affordable and quality health care to all.
Moreover, Maldives will be co-sponsor 2 side events on Safe and Affordable Surgery and on Air pollution, Climate Change, Oceans and Health. In addition, a number of technical briefings and side events will also be carried out at the World Health Assembly.
The Maldives delegation is scheduled to meet with other member states to discuss bilateral collaborations and will also be meeting with the South-East Asia Regional Director Stop TB, Global Fund, International Organisation for Migrants and other health organizations as well.
The assembly, which is held annually in May in Geneva, is the WHO's highest decision-making body and determines policy for the organisation.