Closing remarks to the 62nd World Health Assembly
Nimal S. De Silva
President of the 62nd World Health Assembly
Your Excellencies,
Madam Director-General,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we reach the end of this year's World Health Assembly today I am pleased to witness many successful outcomes, which will greatly benefit health of our people.
This year's Health Assembly was honoured by the presence of Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, who enlightened us on pressing global health issues. Secretary-General also gave a message to place solidarity at the heart of the world's response to the new influenza A(H1N1) outbreak. The Health Assembly was also graced by the presence of Mrs Sarah Brown, Patron of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, who underlined the crucial importance of reducing maternal mortality to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Despite the fact that we have curtailed the Health Assembly to 5 days, we can be proud to state that delegations have deliberated and agreed on pressing issues in the world health agenda this year. The cooperation and flexibility that the delegations have shown in agreeing on contentious issues is commendable. I am also happy to note the issue of financial crisis which was the main theme of the debate in the plenary has been addressed very seriously by the Member States and several innovative approaches emerged in the course of discussions. I wish to commend the Director-General and the Secretariat for presenting very realistic programme budget for the next biennium.
This Health Assembly became a timely forum for in-depth deliberations on the outbreak of A(H1N1). The Member States participated in this discussion very actively and positively with a sense of commitment and seriousness. I am sure the technical inputs and the awareness created by these elaborate discussions will serve as catalyst for the Member States and the WHO to strengthen and accelerate the preventive and curative programmes in this area. Here we will be failing in our duty if we do not appreciate the initiative, commitment and dedication demonstrated by our Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan.
The important issue of climate change and health was also addressed at the relevant committee. The delegates agreed upon a draft resolution and a work plan to scale up WHO's technical assistance to countries to assess the impact of climate change. Thereby the delegates set up a road map for future WHO work in this area.
Through wide-scale discussions and negotiations, and compromise, the delegations have come a long way forward to address the contentious issues in pandemic influenza preparedness: sharing of influenza viruses and access to vaccines and other benefits. I have no doubt that the Director-General will take necessary action to give effect to the spirit of this resolution.
The interest shown by the delegates to the discussions on social determinants of health was highly commendable. I am happy that the delegates could agree upon a strong resolution in which the principles of social determinants of health are incorporated. It is my wish that the key recommendations of the Commission will be implemented at country level in the coming year.
I am sure all the delegations are leaving this assembly hall with a great sense of satisfaction and increased commitment and motivation to implement their innovative health programmes in their own countries.
As we conclude the Health Assembly, I deeply appreciate and also thank Member States for their outstanding spirit of collaboration and cooperation.
I also wish to thank wholeheartedly the Director-General and Deputy Director-General and also the other members of the Secretariat for the tireless efforts and also for the facilities and support extended to me to discharge my responsibilities. I thank the Vice-Presidents of the Health Assembly and the Bureau members of Committees A and B for their very efficient work which enabled us to conclude all of the agenda items in time.
I wish to appreciate the hard work of those who were behind the scenes, producing documents, arranging the conference services and translators who provided the delegates with maximum support.
Finally Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, let me thank all of you for all your support and contributions and wish you very safe and pleasant journey back home.