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Minister for Health to address WHO World Health Assembly
Minister for Health Simon Harris TD will today (Monday) address the World Health Organisation’s annual World Health Assembly.
Normally held in Geneva, this year’s Assembly will take place virtually over video conference technology, with an agenda focussing almost exclusively on the COVID-19 response.
Minister Harris said “Though the pandemic prevents us from meeting in the traditional format, today’s meeting will be an important opportunity for the WHO and its Member States to collectively address the single most pressing global health issue in a moment of crisis.
It is essential we continue to work collectively to confront this global threat.
It is also an opportunity for Ireland to show its support for the World Health Organisation.
In this time of great crisis, we need unity, not division. We cannot allow the politicisation of this pandemic. Ireland stands shoulder to shoulder with the WHO.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will address delegates on the COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response, followed by statements from health ministers.
Minister Harris will pay tribute to healthcare workers, and underline the importance of ensuring equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics and equipment in the COVID-19 context.
Member States are expected to adopt a global resolution on the COVID-19 response which calls for an intensification of cooperation and collaboration at all levels to contain, control and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.