The World Health Assembly, bringing the 192 Member States of the World Health Organization together, is set to consider several critical health issues next week. The Assembly is the supreme decision-making body for WHO, and runs this year from 17 - 22 May. It will discuss actions needed to fight
HIV/AIDS, to increase safety on the world's roads, a proposed strategy on diet, physical activity and health, a proposed strategy for reproductive health, a resolution on family health, and will receive updates on progress in eradicating polio, controlling
measles and SARS. Keynote addresses will also be given by former Presidents Kim Dae-jung of the Republic of Korea, and Jimmy Carter of the United States of America.
"There are many health challenges we must overcome, including detecting emerging, new diseases, combating those which have been with us for decades, and the risks linked to unhealthy diet. The World Health Assembly is the forum for countries to decide on health priorities, and to give direction on how these can be addressed," said Dr LEE Jong-wook, Director-General of the WHO at a briefing with journalists today. "All of our health work must ultimately serve to strengthen health systems. That is the way countries can sustain progress in public health."
Below is a list of agenda items and issues which may be of interest to journalists. Below is a list of agenda items and issues which may be of interest to journalists. Accompanying documents and background information can be found at the World Health Assembly documentation web site.