61st World Health Assembly
Notes from Day 1: Monday, 19 May 2008
The day began with a moment of silence in recognition of the disasters in Myanmar and China. Representatives from China and Myanmar thanked the global community for the support and aid provided. Delegates elected Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Guyana's Minister of Health, as the 61st World Health Assembly President. Dr Ramsammy said his special focus will be on the human health impacts of climate change and on chronic diseases. The day was then devoted to approving the agenda, thanking outgoing Health Assembly officials, and electing new officers. Discussions also began on pandemic influenza and on the draft resolution on public health and intellectual property.
In her welcoming remarks, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan noted that this Health Assembly marks the 60th anniversary of WHO. Dr Chan presented a detailed assessment of the world's current health problems as well as looming crises. She told the delegates that the landscape of global public health is "vastly different" than it was 60 years ago. Today, more foundations and NGOs are making substantial contributions with funding and services. Said Dr Chan: "WHO is not alone in the drive to improve health. Leadership is not mandated. It is earned."
A special briefing on the health situation in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar was held for the members of the WHO Executive Board by senior WHO officials, including Deputy Director-General Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah. The session took place in the high-tech Strategic Health Operations Centre and included presentations by Dr Eric Laroche, Assistant Director-General of Health Action in Crises, and Dr Poonam Singh, Deputy Regional Director for WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia.