Philippines Pushes for Greater Collaboration to Address Global Health Inequities at 76th World Health Assembly
Department of Health (DOH) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Secretary Dr. Rosario Vergeire delivers the Philippines’ national statement at the plenary of the 76th World Health Assembly on 22 June 2023 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. (Geneva PM photo)
GENEVA 08 June 2023 – The Philippines used its national statement at the 76th World Health Assembly to highlight the need for greater international collaboration in addressing global health inequities on 22 June 2023. Department of Health (DOH) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Secretary Dr. Rosario Vergeire enjoined fellow member states as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat to work together to address long standing gaps in healthcare access and health determinants that were exposed by the pandemic.
Dr. Vergeire emphasized the wide scope of factors that affect health outcomes. “Health security should not only cover health threats, but also social determinants such as conflict, education, employment, and housing”, she said. “We call on WHO to lead discussions to ensure that health systems are capable of addressing non-health factors, including climate change and aging”, Dr. Vergeire added.
The DOH Chief then encouraged fellow member states to “boost local capabilities across health governance, surge financing, clinical research, health intelligence, and agricultural investments” while calling for “equitable access to technologies and expertise including vaccines, PPEs, and logistics to mitigate the effects of future pandemics.”
The World Health Assembly is the main governing body and highest decision-making organ of the World Health Organization. The 76th Assembly which took place on 21-30 May 2023 coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the WHO and is expected to chart the post-COVID-19 collective priorities of 196 member states. The Philippines is a founding member of the WHO. END
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