World Health Assembly meets to end COVID, preventing another pandemic

Geneva: The 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) session which began on Monday is expected to focus on putting an end to the current Covid-19 pandemic and preventing another pandemic in future by building a healthier, safer and fairer world.

The nine-day virtual session of the WHA, held virtually from 24 May to 1 June 2021, will discuss the preparedness and response to the pandemic so far.

Prior to the WHA, several reports of review and recommendation by respective WHO committees and panels have been publicised, including the main report by the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

Such reports, concerning which resolution is expected, are presented at the Assembly, while a standing working group could be set up to tackle specific recommendations.

Other highlights of the WHA agenda include the WHO's work in health emergencies, such as the Covid-19 response; a global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property as the WHO and some member states have been calling for waiver of intellectual property rights for Covid-19 response tools, particularly vaccines; and WHO transformation, which should aim at strengthening the independence, authority and financing of the organization.

"This year's World Health Assembly will play a vital role in shaping the global health architecture of the future, and in strengthening the WHO to fulfil its mission and mandate," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The sessions conducted virtually are attended by delegations from all around the world and also open to associate members, observers, invited representatives of the UN and other participating inter-governmental organisations, and non-State actors. (With inputs from IANS)