UHC tops agenda as 76th World Health Assembly begins in Geneva

The 76th World Health Assembly has officially begun in Geneva, Switzerland.

Also representing Kenya are Ag Health DG Patrick Amoth, Ambassador Cleopa Mailu, the National Assembly's Health Committee, including MPs James Nyikal, Alfah Miruka, and Julius Sunkuli and several technical staff from the Ministry of Health.

This highly anticipated gathering, comprised of representatives from 194 Member States, serves as the foremost decision-making agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), setting the stage for crucial discussions on pressing global health issues.

In addition to the assembly meetings, the Kenya delegation will have the opportunity to participate in technical briefings, side events as well bilateral meetings with key stakeholders.

They will also follow up on various areas of cooperation on health, as well as discuss other new and emerging areas of cooperation.

As WHO commemorates its 75th anniversary, the opening session assumes an even greater significance.

Under the theme "WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all," delegates converge in Geneva to deliberate and determine policies that will shape the future of healthcare worldwide.

The session's agenda encompasses a range of topics, including the proposed programme budget for 2024-25, the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-30) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Other topics at the centre of discussion will include standardisation of medical device classification and preparedness for public health emergencies.

The opening session of the World Health Assembly sets the tone for meaningful discussions and collaboration among global health leaders.

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making agency of WHO.

It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.

The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organisation, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget.

The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.