Your Excellency, Minister Svenja Schulze,
Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends,
Despite amazing advances in science and technology, people everywhere continue to face complex interconnected health threats related to poverty, inequality and chemicals exposure.
New data released today by WHO shows that two million lives were lost from exposure to chemicals in 2019.
That number has been steadily increasing in recent years.
And yet, only half the countries of the world have poison control centres.
Meanwhile, exposure to lead, mercury, highly hazardous pesticides, electronic waste, and more, continues to be widespread.
Poor and marginalised communities are often the most vulnerable and the worst affected.
We must take a rights-based approach to chemicals management. That means solutions focused around justice, sustainability and equity. Lives depend upon it.
It is encouraging to see Ministers of Health commit to tackling these challenges, including through implementation of the WHO Chemicals Road Map.
Today, I reaffirm WHO’s commitment to working with you to create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable and more just future for all.
I thank you.