PH Reaffirms Support to WHO Processes, Contribution to Contingency Fund for Emergencies

Permanent Representative Evan P. Garcia receives a certificate of recognition for his “outstanding support to the WHO” from Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on 23 March 2023 at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva. Also in photo are, from left: Dr Rasul Baghirov, Head of Country Strategies; Mr. Steve Salomon, Legal Counsel; Ms. Kristine Salle, Deputy Permanent Representative; and Mr. Jeffrey Valdez, First Secretary. (Geneva PM photo)

GENEVA, 28 March 2023 – Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Evan Garcia called on World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on 23 March 2023 to reaffirm the continued support of the Philippines to the organization and its work. Ambassador Garcia was joined by Deputy Permanent Representative Kristine Salle, First Secretary Jeffrey Valdez and Attaché Pilar Binuya. 

Ambassador Garcia and Director General Ghebreyesus exchanged views on the ongoing intergovernmental processes, including the negotiations on a Pandemic Treaty and the amendment of the International Health Regulations in response to COVID-19. They agreed on the importance of Equity and WHO centrality as guiding principles and outcomes of these processes. “Member States are not equal in terms of capabilities and prospects therefore they cannot be equal in treatment”, Ambassador Garcia said. “We need to ensure that help goes to those who need it the most and the WHO’s role is crucial in this regard”, he added. 

Ambassador Garcia also handed over the donor agreement for the Philippines’ continuing contribution to the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) which facilitates immediate on- the-ground aid to help contain health crises before they escalate. Since 2019, the Philippines 

has contributed USD 132,500.00 to the Fund. “Your country’s financial contribution has helped the WHO in its work in Ukraine, Syria, Pakistan and other emergencies”, Dr Ghebreyesus said. He added that it is important for developing Member States to demonstrate solidarity by being both donors and beneficiaries of international health cooperation. 

Ambassador Garcia took the opportunity to bid farewell and extend his appreciation to Dr Ghebreyesus for the excellent working relationship between the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva and the WHO during his tenure. Ambassador Garcia’s tour of duty is scheduled to end on 28 March 2023. END 

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