A call has been made for member nations to ensure transparency and vigilance in disease reporting and surveillance. The Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan made the call in her opening remark at the ongoing 66th World Health Assembly holding in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to her, these actions are needed in various public health situations such as the recent outbreaks of novel coronavirus and influenza H7N9.
She also noted the sustained momentum in the fight against long-standing health issues such as tuberculosis, HIV, malaria;
the emerging problem of noncommunicable diseases; and eradication of
polio.
A major highlight of her speech was the reiteration of the global health body's resolve not to work with the tobacco industry but said the body may work with food and beverage sector in addressing the scourge of non-communicable diseases.
She also noted the importance of tackling poverty via investing in health.
"Investing in the health of people is a smart strategy for poverty alleviation," she said.
At today's session. the Dr Shigeru Omi from Japan was elected as the president of the 66th World Health Assembly while various delegates stressed the need to consolidate existing progress made in the attainment of United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
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