Highlights from the 2011 World Health Assembly

Introduction

The Conference lasted for 8 days, and was introduced by the opening speeches from Dr Margaret Chan Director-General of the WHO (speech), Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister of Bangladesh (speech), and Bill Gates co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (speech).

The following topics were discussed: Non-communicable diseases, preparedness for future pandemics, strengthening health systems, and the WHO reform.

Results

28 resolutions were adopted, among which 3 to strengthen health systems and strategies in order to reinforce actions to improve the health workforce through an effective implementation of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, and 2 resolutions to develop and strengthen sustainable health financing structures, including universal health care coverage, and better disaster management and health emergency capacities.

Highlights of the World Health Assembly include the resolution for child injury prevention.

For the first time in history, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the topic of child injury. The resolution calls upon Members States to put prevention of child injuries at the center of children health policies, to implement the recommendations set out in the World Report on child injury prevention, and to develop a joint approach towards policy making with a set of realistic targets, that include a multi-sectoral approach.

The resolution urges for the WHO Director-General to establish a network with international development partners, NGOs, and organizations of the UN systems, to coordinate and implement preventive measures against child injury.

 European Child Safety Alliance reaction

Other resolutions relate to the following topics: malaria, health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, access to safe water and sanitation, the programme budget 2012-2013, preparing pandemic viruses, global immunization vision and strategy, maternal, infant and young child nutrition, improving access to quality and affordable medical products, the MDGs, curbing health risks for young people, cholera, HIV/AIDS, polio , among others.

 Daily notes on the proceedings can be found here.

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