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World Health Assembly 2023: The World Health Assembly serves as the governing body responsible for making decisions. During this assembly, the attendees discuss and prioritize a particular health agenda that has been prepared by the Executive Board. The 76th World Health Assembly 2023 is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 2- International Relations, Various International Organizations and their functioning).
76th World Health Assembly 2023 in News
Recently, Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister, delivered a video message addressing the 76th Session of the World Health Assembly, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland.
- In his address to the gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed warm greetings to all those in attendance and offered congratulations to the World Health Organization for achieving the remarkable milestone of 75 years of global service.
- He expressed his confidence in the organization’s ability to establish new objectives as it approaches its centenary, setting goals for the next 25 years.
76th World Health Assembly 2023
The World Health Assembly, attended by delegations from all member states of the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as the governing body responsible for making decisions.
- Highest Decision Making: World Health Assembly centers around a designated health agenda prepared by the WHO Executive Board.
- Mandate: The primary roles of the World Health Assembly encompass policy formulation, the appointment of the Director-General, financial oversight, and the evaluation and approval of the proposed program budget.
- Participation: The World Health Assembly is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States. Each delegation usually consists of government officials, health ministers, or representatives who are responsible for health matters in their respective countries.
- World Health Assembly Venue: The World Health Assembly annual gathering takes place in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 21–30 May 2023.
- World Health Assembly 2023 Theme: The theme of this year’s Health Assembly is: WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all.
India at 76th World Health Assembly 2023
Emphasizing the importance of enhanced cooperation in the field of healthcare, India drew attention to the deficiencies within the global health structure that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Collaboration: The Indian Prime Minister stressed the necessity for collaborative endeavors in establishing robust global systems and promoting equitable healthcare worldwide.
- He underscored India’s dedication to international cooperation and shared that the nation has sent nearly 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 100 countries, including several countries in the Global South.
- Equal Access to Health: The Prime Minister conveyed confidence that the World Health Organization (WHO) will prioritize facilitating equal access to resources in the upcoming years.
- Focus on Traditional Healthcare: Drawing attention to the advantages offered by traditional practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation, the Prime Minister highlighted their comprehensive approach towards addressing physical, mental, and social well-being.
- The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the World Health Organization’s inaugural Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India.
- Prioritizing ‘One Earth, One Health’ Approach: Addressing the G20 theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ the Prime Minister articulated India’s vision for good health, encapsulated as ‘One Earth, One Health.’
- This vision transcends the well-being of humans alone, encompassing the entire ecosystem, including animals, plants, and the environment.
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