The 73rd World Health Assembly Begins

Monday 18th of May 2020

The 73rd World Health Assembly Begins

On 18th May, the 73rd World Health assembly, which is being held virtually, has begun. This year, along with the Minister of Health Abdullah Ameen, Ministry of Health’s high positions and COVID19 technical advisory group doctors as well as Mission of Maldives to UNOG will participate. At the Assembly this year, statements will be made by Heads of delegation on COVID-19 pandemic.

According to WHO, working hours of the Health Assembly are from 12:00 to 15:00, 16:30 to 19:30 and from 21:00 to 24:00 (CEST). The Assembly will close no later than Tuesday, 19 May 2020, as decided by the Executive Board through a written silence procedure.

The program will cover the opening of the Health Assembly by WHA 72 President, election of the President and five Vice-Presidents, Presidential address, statements by invited speakers, address by the Director-General (on COVID-19 pandemic response), statements by Heads of delegation on COVID-19 pandemic, EB: election and closure/suspension (The WHA will consider suspending and reconvening later in the year to consider the remaining items on the agenda).

Every year, delegates from all 194 Member States that make up WHO gather to agree the Organization’s priorities, leadership, and budgets. At the Assembly, new health goals are set, and tasks are assigned in order to reach those goals.