Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly – Daily update: 1 June 2024

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1 June 2024 Geneva, Switzerland

World Health Assembly agreement reached on wide-ranging, decisive package of amendments to improve the International Health Regulations, and sets date for finalizing negotiations on a proposed Pandemic Agreement

In a historic development, the World Health Assembly, the annual meeting of the World Health Organization’s 194 member countries, today agreed on a package of critical amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), and made concrete commitments to completing negotiations on a global pandemic agreement within a year, at the latest. These critical actions have been taken in order to ensure comprehensive, robust systems are in place in all countries to protect the health and safety of all people everywhere from the risk of future outbreaks and pandemics.

These decisions represent two important steps by countries, taken in tandem with one another on the final day of the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, to build on lessons learned from several global health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The package of amendments to the Regulations will strengthen global preparedness, surveillance and responses to public health emergencies, including pandemics.

Items finalized after 5 pm on Friday 31 May

Report on health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory last year

On 31 May 2024, the World Health Assembly noted the report on health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. The report detailed support for healthcare in the Palestinian territory up to October 2023, before the escalation. The Health Assembly also approved a decision on the same topic, with four further amendments.

Current health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem

Member States noted the report by the WHO Director-General on the public health implications of the crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as east Jerusalem. The report outlines the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, characterized by soaring levels of civilian mortality and morbidity, forced displacements, destruction of essential infrastructure and targeting of the health-care system. It notes that mass displacements, severe overcrowding and scant access to water, sanitation and health care for displaced people significantly increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. It outlines the work WHO has done to respond to the crisis, including coordination of the health response with partners, and high-risk missions to hospitals to assess conditions, deliver critical supplies, coordinate the deployment of emergency medical teams, and support patient evacuation. The report calls for a ceasefire, access for humanitarian workers and aid, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Aligning the participation of Palestine in the WHO with its participation in the UN

On Friday 31 May 2024, Member States approved a Resolution on aligning the participation of Palestine in WHO with its participation in the UN. The Resolution grants Palestine, in its capacity as an Observer State, in the World Health Assembly and other WHO meetings, expanded rights and privileges, including being seated among Member States, the right to speak on a wider range of topics, to submit proposals, and to hold certain positions in the Health Assembly. Palestine retains the status of Observer and as such, cannot vote or put forward candidacy for WHO organs. This is the first time the World Health Assembly has described Palestine as a State.

The United Nations granted Palestine non-Member Observer State status in 2012 and in May this year the UN’s General Assembly granted Palestine extended rights as an Observer State (see United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/23).

Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response in cities and urban settings

Cities are especially vulnerable to health emergencies and need to be better prepared for future outbreaks. In this context, the World Health Assembly noted the Resolution on Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response in cities and urban settings. The Resolution urges Member States to sustain political commitment and strengthen multisectoral approaches in national health emergency preparedness and response policies, by developing, solidifying, and implementing comprehensive health emergency plans that incorporate regular simulation exercises and thorough after-action reviews, all conducted through a multisectoral approach. The Resolution also calls on WHO to provide technical support to Member States.

Global health leaders convene a Strategic Roundtable on climate change and health

Global health leaders and experts convened for a Strategic Roundtable to address the critical intersection of climate change and health. This Roundtable aligned with WHO’s new strategic objectives, reflecting achievements and future challenges in global health and underscored the landmark resolution on health and climate change approved earlier in the week by the Health Assembly. This event, held in anticipation of COP 29 and as part of the World Health Assembly, aimed to bolster momentum and shape the global health architecture for tackling climate change. Keynote speakers emphasized the urgency of the issue and the necessity for collaborative action to mitigate the health impacts of climate change and promote health mitigation policies in other sectors.

Richard Horton, Editor in Chief of The Lancet, opened the meeting by highlighting the pressing nature of the climate crisis.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted WHO’s shift in focus towards climate health action.

Former United States of America Vice President Al Gore provided opening remarks via video, and Dr Teymur Musayev, Minister of Healthcare, the Republic of Azerbaijan emphasized the great example of collaboration and coordination between health and environment ministers and provided a vision for health at the upcoming COP 29.

Hon. Dr Atonio Lalabalavu from the Republic of Fiji addressed climate change and health justice in small island developing states (SIDS), while Adnan Z. Amin, CEO of COP 28, highlighted historical health outcomes.

Participants engaged in discussions aimed at outlining actionable initiatives and enhancing global coordination efforts.

H.E. Dr Filomena Gonçalves, Minister of Health of the Republic of Cabo Verde, called for climate justice and equity in health. Professor Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, emphasized the critical role of climate services in improving public health outcomes.

Looking ahead to COP 29 in Azerbaijan and COP 30 in Brazil, participants discussed strategies for advancing the global health agenda amid climate challenges. Representatives from various entities, including youth advocates, NGOs, and international organizations, highlighted the need for adequate funding and coordinated efforts to address the complex interplay of climate and health issues. This Roundtable aligned with WHO’s strategic objectives, facilitating reflection on achievements and future challenges in global health.