WHO Regional websites
Placeholder Picture

Journal No. 5   25 May 2023

This journal is intended to give delegates, representatives and other participants advance indications of the Health Assembly’s tentative programme of work. Additional information can be found in the Guide for delegates to the World Health Assembly (document A76/DIV./2)

The Journal does not constitute an official record of the Health Assembly’s proceedings. The Journal is published in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish on every working day during the Health Assembly.

N° 5 Programme of meetings

Time

Committee A
Room XX

Committee B
Room XVII

09:00

Eighth meeting

Third meeting

14:30

Ninth meeting 

Fourth meeting

Table of contents

1. Date and working hours

2. Programme of work of the Health Assembly

3. Report of meetings

4. Strategic Roundtables

5. Other meetings

6. Arrangements for conduct of discussion in meetings

7. Announcements

1.  Date and working hours

The working hours of the Health Assembly are from 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 17:30 (CEST).

The Health Assembly will close no later than Tuesday, 30 May 2023, as decided by the Executive Board at its 152nd session.

Badge distribution

Delegates and other participants will be able to collect their badges from the Distribution Desk in the main lobby of WHO headquarters. The Distribution Desk will be open at the following times:

WHA76:

     Thursday, 25 to Saturday, 27 May and Monday, 29 May 2023 from 08:00 to 17:00

     Tuesday, 30 May 2023 from 08:00 until the closure of WHA76.

EB153:

Delegates and other participants will be able to collect their badges from the Distribution Desks at the Palais des Nations and in the main lobby of WHO headquarters. The Distribution Desks will be open at the following times:

     Palais des Nations - Monday, 29 May 2023 from 14:00 to 17:00 and Tuesday, 30 May 2023 from 08:00 to 17:00

     WHO headquarters - Wednesday, 31 May to Thursday, 1 June 2023 from 08:00 until the closure of EB153.

2. Programme of work of the Health Assembly

Thursday, 25 May 2023

Eighth and ninth meetings of Committee A — Building E Room XX

09:00 and 14:30

Draft second report of Committee A

Document (Draft) A76/52 containing one decision entitled:

-  Health emergency in Ukraine and refugee-receiving and -hosting countries, stemming from the Russian Federation’s aggression

Item 15 (Pillar 2) continued

Review of and update on matters considered by the Executive Board

·   Item 15.4

Discussion of bullet points under agenda item 15.4 will be grouped together as follows:

Poliomyelitis

o   Poliomyelitis eradication

-  Document A76/13

o   Polio transition planning and polio post-certification

-  Document A76/14

Item 13 (Pillar 1)

Discussion of agenda item 13 will be grouped as follows: (13.1 & 13.2), (13.3, 13.4 & 13.5)

Review of and update on matters considered by the Executive Board

·  Item 13.1

Universal health coverage

o   Reorienting health systems to primary health care as a resilient foundation for universal health coverage and preparations for a high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on universal health coverage

-  Documents A76/6, A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decisions EB152(3), EB152(4), EB152(5) and EB152(6)

·  Item 13.2

Political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, and mental health

o   Draft updated menu of policy options and cost-effective interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1, A76/7 Add.1 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(11)

·  Item 13.3

Substandard and falsified medical products

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(9)

·  Item 13.4

Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(10)

·  Item 13.5

Draft global strategy on infection prevention and control

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(7)

Third and fourth meetings of Committee B — Building E Room XVII

09:00 and 14:30

Draft first report of Committee B

Document (Draft) A76/51 containing one decision entitled:

-  Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan

Item 19 (Pillar 4) continued

Discussion of agenda item 19 will be grouped as follows: (19.1 & 19.2), (19.3, 19.4 & 19.5)

Budget and finance matters

·  Item 19.1 continued

Results Report 2022 (Programme budget 2022–2023: performance assessment) and Financial report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

-  Documents A76/16, A76/17, A76/41, A76/INF./2 and A76/INF./3

·  Item 19.2

Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2022–2023 and outlook on financing of the Programme budget 2024–2025

-  Documents A76/18, A76/19 and A76/42

·  Item 19.3

Scale of assessments 2024–2025

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, resolution EB152.R3

·  Item 19.4

Amendments to the Financial Regulations and Financial Rules

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1, A76/20, A76/20 Add.1, A76/45 and EB152/2023/REC/1, resolution EB152.R4

·  Item 19.5

Status of collection of assessed contributions, including Member States in arrears in the payment of their contributions to an extent that would justify invoking Article 7 of the Constitution

-  Documents A76/21 and A76/44

Item 20 (Pillar 4)

Discussion of agenda item 20 will be grouped as follows: (20.1, 20.2 & 20.3)

Audit and oversight matters

·  Item 20.1

Report of the External Auditor

-  Documents A76/22 and A76/46

·  Item 20.2

Report of the Internal Auditor

-  Documents A76/23 and A76/46

·  Item 20.3

External and internal audit recommendations: progress on implementation

-  Documents A76/24 and A76/46

Item 21 (Pillar 4)

Discussion of agenda item 21 will be grouped as follows: (21.1, 21.2, 21.3 & 21.4), (21.5 & 21.6)

Staffing matters

·  Item 21.1

Human resources

-  Documents A76/26, A76/47 and EB152/2023/REC/1, resolution EB152.R5

·  Item 21.2

Amendments to the Staff Regulations and Staff Rules

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, resolution EB152.R7

·  Item 21.3

Report of the International Civil Service Commission

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1, A76/27, A76/27 Add.1 and A76/47

·  Item 21.4

Reform of the global internship programme

-  Documents A76/28 and A76/28 Add.1

·  Item 21.5

Report of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Board

-  Document A76/29

·  Item 21.6

Appointment of representatives to the WHO Staff Pension Committee

-  Document A76/30

Item 22 (Pillar 4)

Review of and update on matters considered by the Executive Board

Management, legal and governance matters

·  Item 22.1

Prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and and A76/39

·  Item 22.2

Discussion of bullet points under agenda item 22.2 will be grouped together as follows:

Matters emanating from the Working Group on Sustainable Financing:

o   Report of the Agile Member States Task Group on Strengthening WHO’s Budgetary, Programmatic and Financing Governance

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(15)

o   Secretariat implementation plan on reform

-  Documents A76/31, A76/38 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(16)

o   Sustainable financing: feasibility of a replenishment mechanism, including options for consideration

-  Documents A76/32, A76/40 and A76/40 Add.1

·  Item 22.3

Discussion of bullet points under agenda item 22.3 will be grouped together as follows:

Global strategies and plans of action that are scheduled to expire within one year

o   WHO global action plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants, 2019–2023

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(17)

o   WHO traditional medicine strategy 2014–2023

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(18)

If time permits:

Item 23 (Pillar 4)

Discussion of agenda item 23 will be grouped as follows:

Update on the Infrastructure Fund

o   Geneva buildings renovation strategy

-  Document A76/7 Rev.1

o   Update on information management and technology

-  Documents A76/33 and A76/48

Friday, 26 May 2023

Seventh Plenary meeting — Building E Room XIX

09:00

Item 7

Awards

–  Document A76/INF./1

Item 6

Executive Board: election

–  Document A76/53

Tenth and eleventh meetings of Committee A — Building E Room XX

Immediately after conclusion of Plenary and 14:30

Item 13 (Pillar 1) continued

Discussion of agenda item 13 will be grouped as follows: (13.6 & 13.7)

Review of and update on matters considered by the Executive Board

·  Item 13.6

Global road map on defeating meningitis by 2030

-  Document A76/7 Rev.1

·  Item 13.7

Standardization of medical devices nomenclature

-  Document A76/7 Rev.1

Fifth and sixth meetings of Committee B — Building E Room XVII

Immediately after conclusion of Plenary and 14:30

Item 24 (Pillar 4)

Discussion of agenda item 24 will be grouped as follows:

Participation of Member States in WHO meetings

o   Voluntary Health Trust Fund for small island developing States (terms of reference)

-  Documents A76/34 and A76/34 Add.1

o   Current practices for funding participation of Member States in WHO meetings

-  Document A76/35 Rev.1

Item 26 (Pillar 4)

Collaboration within the United Nations system and with other intergovernmental organizations

–  Document A76/36

Item 27 (Pillar 4)

Matters for information

·  Item 27.1

Progress reports

-  Documents A76/37 and A76/37 Add.1

Discussion of agenda item 27.1 will be grouped as follows: (A, B, C, D, E & F), (G & H), (I, J, K, L, M & N), (O & P)

Pillar 1: One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage

A.    Strengthening local production of medicines and other health technologies to improve access (resolution WHA74.6 (2021))

B.    Health in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution WHA69.11 (2016) and decision WHA70(22) (2017))

C.   Global action on patient safety (resolution WHA72.6 (2019) and decision WHA74(13) (2021))

D.   Antimicrobial resistance (resolution WHA72.5 (2019))

E.    Eradication of dracunculiasis (resolution WHA64.16 (2011))

F.    Global action plan on the public health response to dementia (decision WHA70(17) (2017))

Pillar 2: One billion more people better protected from health emergencies

G.   The World Together: Establishment of an intergovernmental negotiating body to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (decision SSA2(5) (2021))

H.   Smallpox eradication: destruction of variola virus stocks (resolution WHA60.1 (2007))

Pillar 3: One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being

I.      The role of the health sector in the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management towards the 2020 goal and beyond (decision WHA74(25) (2021))

J.     WHO global strategy on health, environment and climate change: the transformation needed to improve lives and well-being sustainably through healthy environments (decision WHA74(24) (2021))

K.    Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030 (decision WHA73(12) (2020))

L.    Water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities (resolution WHA72.7 (2019))

M.   Prevention of deafness and hearing loss (resolution WHA70.13 (2017) and decision WHA74(17) (2021))

N.   Plan of action on climate change and health in small island developing States (decision WHA72(10) (2019)) and paragraph 29 of document A72/16

Pillar 4: More effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries

O.   Global strategy on digital health (decision WHA73(28) (2020))

P.    Eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (resolution WHA72.15 (2019))

Saturday, 27 May 2023

Twelfth and thirteenth meetings of Committee A — Building E Room XX

09:00 and 14:30

 

Item 16 (Pillar 3)
Discussion of agenda item 16 will be grouped as follows: (16.1, 16.2, 16.3 & 16.5)

Review of and update on matters considered by the Executive Board

·   Item 16.1

Well-being and health promotion

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1, and A76/7 Add.2 and A76/7 Add.3

·  Item 16.2

Ending violence against children through health systems strengthening and multisectoral approaches

-  Document A76/7 Rev.1

·  Item 16.3

Social determinants of health

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1, A76/7 Rev.1 Add.1, A76/7 Rev.1 Add.4, A76/A/CONF./1, A76/A/CONF./1 Add.1, A76/A/CONF./2, A76/A/CONF./2 Add.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(12)

·  Item 16.5

United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016−2025)

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(13)

Seventh and eighth meetings of Committee B — Building E Room XVII

09:00 and 14:30

Item 27 (Pillar 4) continued

Matters for information

·  Item 27.1 continued

Progress reports

-  Documents A76/37 and A76/37 Add.1

Discussion of agenda item 27.1 will be grouped as follows: (A, B, C, D, E & F), (G & H), (I, J, K, L, M & N), (O & P)

Pillar 1: One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage

A.    Strengthening local production of medicines and other health technologies to improve access (resolution WHA74.6 (2021))

B.    Health in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution WHA69.11 (2016) and decision WHA70(22) (2017))

C.   Global action on patient safety (resolution WHA72.6 (2019) and decision WHA74(13) (2021))

D.   Antimicrobial resistance (resolution WHA72.5 (2019))

E.    Eradication of dracunculiasis (resolution WHA64.16 (2011))

F.    Global action plan on the public health response to dementia (decision WHA70(17) (2017))

Pillar 2: One billion more people better protected from health emergencies

G.   The World Together: Establishment of an intergovernmental negotiating body to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (decision SSA2(5) (2021))

H.   Smallpox eradication: destruction of variola virus stocks (resolution WHA60.1 (2007))

Pillar 3: One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being

I.      The role of the health sector in the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management towards the 2020 goal and beyond (decision WHA74(25) (2021))

J.     WHO global strategy on health, environment and climate change: the transformation needed to improve lives and well-being sustainably through healthy environments (decision WHA74(24) (2021))

K.    Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030 (decision WHA73(12) (2020))

L.    Water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities (resolution WHA72.7 (2019))

M.   Prevention of deafness and hearing loss (resolution WHA70.13 (2017) and decision WHA74(17) (2021))

N.   Plan of action on climate change and health in small island developing States (decision WHA72(10) (2019)) and paragraph 29 of document A72/16

Pillar 4: More effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries

O.   Global strategy on digital health (decision WHA73(28) (2020))

P.    Eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (resolution WHA72.15 (2019))

Monday, 29 May 2023

Fourteenth and fifteenth meetings of Committee A — Building E Room XX

09:00 and 14:30

 

Item 16 (Pillar 3) continued
Discussion of agenda item 16 will be grouped as follows: (16.4 & 16.6)

Review of and update on matters considered by the Executive Board

·  Item 16.4

The highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities

-  Document A76/7 Rev.1

·  Item 16.6

Behavioural sciences for better health

-  Documents A76/7 Rev.1 and EB152/2023/REC/1, decision EB152(23)

Ninth and tenth meetings of Committee B — Building E Room XVII

09:00 and 14:30

Item 20 (Pillar 4) continued

Audit and oversight matters

·  Item 20.4

Appointment of the External Auditor

-  Documents A76/25 and A76/25 Add.1

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Sixteenth meeting of Committee A — Building E Room XX

09:00

Finalization of resolutions/decisions and reports

Eleventh meeting of Committee B — Building E Room XVII

09:00

Finalization of resolutions/decisions and reports

Eighth Plenary meeting — Building E Room XIX

Immediately after conclusion of Committees A and B

Item 8

Reports of the main committees

Draft first report of Committee A

Document (Draft) A76/50 containing one resolution entitled:

-  Programme budget 2024-2025

Item 9

Closure of the Health Assembly

3. Report of meetings

Sixth Plenary meeting

In the Chair:
Dr Christopher Fearne (Malta)
President of the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly

Item 3 continued

–  General discussion

The President resumed consideration of Item 3. The delegate of Samoa and the delegate of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela addressed the Assembly.

These speakers were followed by the delegates of Vanuatu, Belize, Tuvalu, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Eswatini, Palau, Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Yemen, Uzbekistan, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Iceland, Antigua and Barbuda, Mauritius, Dominica, Solomon Islands, Sudan, Benin, Burundi, Gambia, Haiti (who spoke on behalf of the Group of Member States and Observers of the International Organisation of La Francophonie), representatives of the Holy See, Palestine, Order of Malta, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),  Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), South Centre, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and International Development Law Organization (IDLO).

In accordance with Rule 57 of the Rules of Procedure, Russian Federation exercised the right of reply.

The agenda item was closed and meeting adjourned.

Sixth meeting of Committee A

In the Chair:
Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan (Bahrain)

Item 14 (Pillar 2) continued

Public health emergencies: preparedness and response

·  Item 14.1 continued

The Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme

·  Item 14.2 continued

Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005)

Item 15 (Pillar 2) continued

Review of and update on matters considered by the Executive Board

·  Item 15.1 continued

Strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies

o   Strengthening the global architecture for health emergency preparedness, response and resilience

o   Strengthening clinical trials to provide high-quality evidence on health interventions and to improve research quality and coordination

·  Item 15.2 continued

WHO’s work in health emergencies

o   Implementation of resolution WHA75.11 (2022)

·  Item 15.3 continued

Global Health for Peace Initiative

The Chair opened the meeting and outlined the proposed approach for the orderly consideration of the items. The Committee agreed with the proposal. Non-State actors who had requested to speak at the previous session were invited to take the floor.

The Chair of the Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (IOAC), Professor Walid Ammar (Lebanon), was invited to make some remarks.

The Chair invited Dr Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean and Dr Barbosa da Silva Jr., WHO Regional Director for the Americas to take the floor. The Executive Director, Office Health Emergencies Preparedness & Response and other members of the Secretariat responded to issues raised.

At the invitation of the Chair, the WHO Director-General Dr Tedros addressed the Committee.

The Committee noted the reports contained in documents A76/8, A76/9 Rev.1, A76/10, A76/7 Rev.1, A76/11 and A76/12.

In accordance with Rule 57 of the Rules of Procedure, one delegation exercised the right of reply.

The Committee was then invited to consider the draft decision contained in document A76/A/CONF./3: Health emergency in Ukraine and refugee-receiving and –- hosting countries, stemming from the Russian Federation’s aggression.

In accordance with Rule 74 of the Rules of Procedure, a roll-call vote was taken. The Chair drew a letter in order to identify the first country to vote which was “J”. The vote resulted in 80 votes in favour to 9 votes against, with 52 abstentions and 36 Member States absent, as follows:

Votes in favour: Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Türkiye, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay and Vanuatu.

Votes against: Algeria, Belarus, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nicaragua, Russian Federation and Syrian Arab Republic.

Abstentions: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Egypt, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Absent: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cook Islands, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Kiribati, Kuwait, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Nauru, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago and Turkmenistan.

The draft decision contained in document A76/A/CONF./3 was approved.

The Committee was then invited to consider the draft resolution contained in document A76/A/CONF./4: Health emergency in and around Ukraine.

In accordance with Rule 74 of the Rules of Procedure, a roll-call vote was taken. The Chair drew a letter in order to identify the first country to vote which was “G”. The vote resulted in 13 votes in favour to 62 votes against, with 61 abstentions and 41 Member States absent, as follows:

Votes in favour: Belarus, Burkina Faso, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nicaragua, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand and Zimbabwe.

Votes against: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Vanuatu.

Abstentions: Algeria, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam and Zambia.

Absent: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Cook Islands, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Eritrea, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Kiribati, Kuwait, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Nauru, Niger, Palau, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye and Turkmenistan.

The draft resolution contained in document A76/A/CONF./4 was rejected.

In accordance with Rule 77 of the Rules of Procedure, the following delegations took the floor to offer an explanation of vote:  Nicaragua, China, Belarus, Brazil, Türkiye, Colombia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mexico, Poland, Algeria, Ukraine, United States of America, Cuba, Syrian Arab Republic, San Marino and Russian Federation.

The Committee was invited to consider the draft decision contained in document A76/7 Rev.1 Add.2. One delegation requested more time to continue informal discussions on a draft decision with Member States thereby suspending consideration of the draft decision contained in document A76/7 Rev.1 Add.2.

The Committee concluded consideration of items 14, 15.1 and 15.2.

The meeting was adjourned.

First meeting of Committee B

In the Chair:
Dr Carlos Alvarenga Cardoza (El Salvador)

Item 17

Opening of the Committee

Dr Carlos Alvarenga Cardoza (El Salvador) expressed his gratitude for his election as chairperson of the Committee and welcomed delegates and observers. In accordance with Rule 35 of the Rules of Procedure of the World Health Assembly, the Committee elected Mrs Katarzyna Drążek-Laskowska (Poland) and Dr Walaiporn Patcharanarumol (Thailand) as Vice-Chairs and Ms Lucy Cassels (New Zealand) as Rapporteur. 

One delegation took the floor to request that the European Union be invited to attend and participate without vote in deliberations of the meetings, sub-meetings, drafting groups or other subdivisions thereof, and addressing matters falling within the European Union competence in the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly.

Item 19 (Pillar 4)

Budget and finance matters

·  Item 19.1

Results Report 2022 (Programme budget 2022–2023: performance assessment) and Financial report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022

·  Item 19.2

Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2022–2023 and outlook on financing of the Programme budget 2024–2025

The Chair opened the grouped agenda items and drew the Committee’s attention to the reports contained in documents A76/16, A76/17, A76/18, A76/19 A76/41, A76/42, A76/INF./2 and A76/INF./3 and the draft decision contained in document A76/41. 

The Chair invited the Chair of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board, Ms Aishath Rishmee, to present her remarks.

Discussion of this group of agenda items was suspended and the meeting was adjourned.

Seventh meeting of Committee A

In the Chair:
Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan (Bahrain)

Later:
Mr Martin Ndoutoumou Essono (Gabon)

Item 12 (Pillar 1) continued

Global strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030)

The Chair reopened the agenda item and invited those delegations who had requested to speak at the second meeting to take the floor.

The Chair invited Dr Waogodo Joseph Cabore, representative for WHO Regional Director for Africa, to take the floor.

The Secretariat responded to issues raised and the Committee noted the report contained in document A76/5 and agenda item was closed.

In accordance with Rule 57 of the Rules of Procedure, one delegation exercised the right of reply for agenda item 14 and 15.

The meeting was adjourned.

Second meeting of Committee B

In the Chair:
Dr Carlos Alvarenga Cardoza (El Salvador)

Item 18

Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan

The Chair opened the agenda item and invited the Committee to note the report contained in document A76/15 and to consider the draft decision contained in document A76/B/CONF./1: Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan. Comments were invited from the floor.

In accordance with Rule 74 of the Rules of Procedure, a roll-call vote was taken. The Chair drew a letter in order to identify the first country to vote which was “K”. The vote resulted in 76 votes in favour to 13 votes against, with 35 abstentions and 53 Member States absent, as follows:

Votes in favour: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam and Zimbabwe.

Votes against: Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Fiji, Germany, Guatemala, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and United States of America.

Abstentions: Bulgaria, Colombia, Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Zambia.

Absent: Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Cook Islands, Côte d'Ivoire, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu and United Republic of Tanzania.

The following delegations gave an explanation of vote under Rule 77 of the Rules of Procedure: Brazil, Netherlands, Canada, Israel, United States of America, Palestine and Syrian Arab Republic.

The Committee noted the report contained in document A76/15 and approved the draft decision contained in document A76/B/CONF./1.

The agenda item was closed and the meeting was adjourned.

4. Strategic Roundtables

The following strategic roundtables will take place in Room XVIII during the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly:

Thursday, 25 May 2023

13:00-14:15

Ending tuberculosis by 2030: universal access to care, multisectoral collaboration, and innovations to accelerate progress and combat antimicrobial resistance.

This roundtable will focus on the challenges and opportunities to end tuberculosis (TB) by 2030, by building on equitable universal access to TB prevention and care, and in alignment with the agendas of universal health coverage, antimicrobial resistance, and pandemic preparedness.

TB remains among the world's top infectious killers. In 2021, 1.6 million people lost their lives to TB. In 2018, world leaders at the United Nations (UN) high-level meeting on TB adopted a historic resolution A/RES/73/3, with ambitious targets. The declaration catalyzed progress towards ending TB, saving lives. However, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with other ongoing global crises have reversed years of progress.

Getting back on track requires increased and sustained funding for universal access to TB services. TB services must be delivered free of stigma and discrimination; tackle antimicrobial resistance, advance multisectoral actions to address the drivers of the epidemic; and better tools including vaccines and innovative strategies. The second UN high-level Meeting on TB in September can provide the political incentive to turn the tide in the fight against TB.

In this roundtable, WHO will present the Flagship Initiative for 2023-2027, featuring new targets and a focus on enabling universal access to services and advancing research including through the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council. Ministers and other leaders, TB survivors, civil society, donors and partners will share experiences of leadership, innovation and action towards ending TB.

Friday, 26 May 2023

13:00–14:15

A safer and healthier tomorrow through restoring essential immunization today.

Between 2019–2022, 67 million children missed at least one dose of essential vaccines. This crisis in routine immunization is borne from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Many children need the protection of lifesaving vaccines. We must enable all opportunities to vaccinate these children. 2023 marks a critical point: the actions and recovery of the essential immunization programme today will determine whether the 2030 immunization goals will be achieved.

Many countries have already made remarkable progress towards immunization recovery. This roundtable will examine the factors that drive this success. Special attention will be given to the role of community health workers in achieving global immunization targets. We will discuss best practices in engaging communities in immunization programmes and how to strengthen health systems from the bottom up. We will hear from healthcare workers, ministers and representatives of government, multi-lateral organizations, and civil society about what each stakeholder needs to do to reach all children and adolescents in support of #HealthForAll.

Saturday, 27 May 2023

13:00–14:15

Celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: a fit-for-purpose life-saving treaty.

As part of WHO's 75th anniversary, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the key milestones in the history of WHO: the adoption of the first international public health treaty. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), an evidence-based instrument, provides new legal dimensions for international cooperation. This roundtable will call for Member States to set up implementation of the WHO FCTC measures and in particular support increased tobacco taxes towards public revenues which can be reinvested in public health.

The strategic roundtable will also provide lessons to inform ongoing negotiations for a WHO convention, agreement or other international instruments on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response following the COVID-19 pandemic.

To mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the WHO FCTC by the Fifty-sixth World Health Assembly, Parties to the Treaty and other key players will join to celebrate the successes in tobacco control enabled by the WHO FCTC.

This roundtable will be concluded by an award ceremony for the 2023 World No Tobacco Day Director-General's Special Recognition Award.

5. Other meetings

The Secretariat has been advised that the following meetings will take place during the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly. This represents information received up to 24 May 2023:

Thursday, 25 May 2023

07:30–08:50 Room XXV

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

08:00–08:50 Room XXIII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO African Region.

08:00–08:50 Room XXVII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region.

08:15–08:45 Room XXII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Western Pacific Region.

08:15–08:50 Room XXVI

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO European Region.

13:00–14:30 Room XXV

Coordination meeting of the European Union.

Friday, 26 May 2023

07:30–08:50 Room XXV

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

08:00–08:45 Room XXIV

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the Region of the Americas.

08:00–08:50 Room XXIII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO African Region.

08:00–08:50 Room XXVII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region.

08:15–08:45 Room XXII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Western Pacific Region.

08:15–08:50 Room XXVI

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO European Region.

13:00–14:30 Room XXV

Coordination meeting of the European Union.

Saturday, 27 May 2023

07:30–08:50 Room XXV

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

08:00–08:45 Room XXIV

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the Region of the Americas.

08:00–08:50 Room XXIII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO African Region.

08:00–08:50 Room XXVII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region.

08:15–08:45 Room XXII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Western Pacific Region.

08:15–08:50 Room XXVI

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO European Region.

13:00–14:30 Room XXV

Coordination meeting of the European Union.

Monday, 29 May 2023

07:30–08:50 Room XXV

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

08:00–08:50 Room XXIII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO African Region.

08:00–08:50 Room XXVII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region.

08:15–08:45 Room XXII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Western Pacific Region.

08:15–08:50 Room XXVI

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO European Region.

13:00–14:30 Room XXV

Coordination meeting of the European Union.

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

08:00–08:50 Room XXIII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO African Region.

08:00–08:50 Room XXVII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO South-East Asia Region.

08:15–08:45 Room XXII

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO Western Pacific Region.

08:15–08:50 Room XXVI

Meeting of the delegations of Member States of the WHO European Region.

13:00–14:30 Room XXV

Coordination meeting of the European Union.

6. Arrangements for conduct of discussion in meetings

Verbal statements

Member State delegations are asked to observe the time limit for verbal statements during the sessions. Plenary: individual statements by Member States and Associate Members will be limited to three minutes (330 words), Regional and group statements will be limited to four minutes (440 words).
Committees A & B: individual statements by Member States and Associate Members will be limited to
three minutes (330 words), Regional and group statements will be limited to five minutes (550 words).

Delegations providing group statements are discouraged from taking the floor subsequently to provide a national statement. In addition, delegations on whose behalf a group statement is provided, are discouraged from subsequently taking the floor except to provide any brief additional comments that were not covered by the group statement.

Statements by Observers, invited representatives of the United Nations and other participating intergovernmental organizations will be limited to two minutes (220 words). Statements by non-State actors in official relations with the Organization will be limited to one minute and three minutes for constituency statements.

To ensure that statements are interpreted as clearly as possible, delegates are requested to submit a copy of their statements at least 30 minutes in advance by email to interpret@who.int.

Written statements

Member States and Associate Members are invited to submit written statements for posting on the website in the language of submission in accordance with the guidelines for written statements in decision EB149(3). Delegates wishing to have their statements posted on the Health Assembly webpage or to share a longer statement containing additional information may send it to statements@who.int.

Observers, invited representatives of the United Nations and of other participating and intergovernmental organizations are also invited to submit written statements in accordance with those guidelines. Non-State actors are invited to submit written statements as per the practical information for representatives of non-State actors in official relations with WHO.

In accordance with the guidelines, statements may be provided in any of the six WHO official languages and should be limited to 500 words for individual statements and 800 words for group statements. They should be submitted to statements@who.int, (non-State actors are asked to copy nsastatements@who.int), clearly indicating the relevant agenda item or sub-item in the subject line.

Interpretation

Interpretation will be provided in the official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) to help delegates to follow the discussions. Delegates are requested to speak clearly and at a normal speaking pace to enable clear and accurate interpretation. Copies of all statements should be submitted at least one hour in advance by email to interpret@who.int. Clearly indicate the name of the country delegation/group in the subject line of the email.   

Note: a statement of three minutes at normal speaking pace is equivalent to approximately 330 words.

7. Announcements

Support

For IT support, please send an email to GBS-IT-Support@who.int.          

Video streaming

The sessions will be webcast in the six UN languages. The webcasts can be viewed on Mac and PCs, as well as all mobile devices including iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows-enabled phones.

Arabic:            https://player.4am.ch/who/20230521-30_WHA76/index.html?lang=ar

Chinese:         https://player.4am.ch/who/20230521-30_WHA76/index.html?lang=zh
English:          
https://player.4am.ch/who/20230521-30_WHA76/index.html?lang=en

French:           https://player.4am.ch/who/20230521-30_WHA76/index.html?lang=fr

Russian:          https://player.4am.ch/who/20230521-30_WHA76/index.html?lang=ru

Spanish:         https://player.4am.ch/who/20230521-30_WHA76/index.html?lang=es

WHA App

The World Health Assembly application allows you to receive updates on the WHA76 programme of work and access documentation directly on your mobile device. Search for “WHO Events” in the Apple or Google Stores.

Documents

Documents for the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly can be accessed on the Internet through the WHO website (https://apps.who.int/gb/e/e_wha76.html) or scan the QR code below:

Qr code

Description automatically generated

WHO information products and souvenirs on sale

The WHO bookshop is located at the Palais des Nations on level 2 of the E building, at door 40, during the World Health Assembly. The latest publications and information products issued by WHO and its regional offices are available at a 50% discount. WHO souvenirs are also on sale, including items from a special collection of souvenirs to mark the 75th anniversary of the Organization. The WHO bookshop is open from Monday to Friday and from 09:00 to 16:30 at the Palais des Nations (during the Assembly) and at WHO Headquarters.

 

=  =  =

Placeholder Picture
×