The 79th World Health Assembly has begun in Geneva, Switzerland, with the Maldives represented by a high-level delegation.
The World Health Assembly, organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is the largest global health decision-making meeting. The current session, attended by health ministers and representatives from over 194 member states, will run from 18 to 23 May.
The Maldives delegation is led by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali, alongside officials from the United Nations Permanent Mission in Geneva and the Health Ministry.
Key topics on the agenda include strengthening health systems and universal health coverage, emergency preparedness and response to global health crises, primary health care improvement, and tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
According to the Health Ministry, major policy discussions and decisions are expected, including updates to the Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), standardising health data, digital health, and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
Additionally, enhancing maternal and child nutrition systems, mental health, and climate change impacts on health will also be discussed.
Furthermore, the presentation of the intergovernmental working group’s report on the Pandemic Agreement will also take place, as well as discussions on global emergency response strategies.
The delegation will also hold bilateral meetings with countries and organisations to strengthen cooperation and seek support for the health sector in the Maldives.