Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends,
Good afternoon, happy New Year, and thank you all for joining us today.
Almost five years ago, the World Health Assembly adopted an ambitious General Programme of Work.
GPW 13 and the “triple billion” targets set out a bold vision for delivering a measurable impact in countries, and supporting countries on the road to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Although we have made progress, it’s clear that we are far behind where we need to be, especially in relation to universal health coverage.
Even before the pandemic, we estimated that only 270 million more people would be covered by 2023 – a shortfall of 730 million people.
Disruptions to health services during the pandemic have sent us backwards, and we estimate the shortfall could reach 840 million.
We are continuing to track progress against all three billions, and the next update will be made available on the World Health Data Hub by April.
Although it is a serious setback, the pandemic has only demonstrated why the “triple billion” targets and the SDGs are so important, and why we must pursue them with even more determination, innovation and collaboration.
Extending the GPW is therefore important for giving countries a window to do everything possible to accelerate towards the SDGs.
I thank Member States for approving the extension of GPW 13 by two more years to 2025 at last year’s World Health Assembly.
These two years are critical to recover from the impact of the multiple, overlapping crises we face, from the pandemic to protracted emergencies, climate change, conflict and more.
Many countries are witnessing health shocks resulting in lower life expectancy and widening inequalities.
But with a renewed sense of urgency and commitment, we can accelerate progress sustainably.
To do this, we have outlined five priorities for acceleration – the “five Ps”:
Promote health, with a paradigm shift needed to tackle the root causes of disease and injuries and promote health;
Provide health, by radically reorientating health systems toward primary health care;
Protect health, by strengthening the global architecture for health emergency preparedness and response;
Power health, by harnessing science, research, innovation, data, digital technologies and partnership;
And perform for health, by building a stronger, more agile and sustainably financed WHO.
It’s important to underline that the “five Ps” do not replace GPW 13 and the “triple billion” targets.
In fact, they are closely aligned with the GPW 13, and so is the proposed Programme budget 2024-25.
This alignment is important to ensure continuity, accountability for results and to make a measurable impact in countries.
The GPW 13 extension paper explains what the Secretariat will do, and how, to support Member States.
We have developed a systematic approach to monitor and deliver results and have benefited from your input during the past year.
You advised us to recognize the unique context of every country and tailor our support accordingly.
Today, you will hear how the Secretariat is pursuing this across its three levels; tomorrow you will be briefed on the proposed Programme budget 2024-25.
What gets measured gets done. The results framework provides a mechanism for us - Member States, the Secretariat and partners - to be accountable and deliver on our commitments.
Let me leave you with three requests:
First, we seek your commitment to, and support for, the “five Ps”, and to implementing them in your own countries.
Second, we seek your support to ensure the next Programme budget remains aligned with the GPW.
And third, we seek your commitment to advocate for the GPW and its implementation plan in your own countries.
Thank you all once again for your commitment to a healthier, safer, fairer future for the people of your own countries, and the people of the whole world.
I thank you. Samira, over to you.