Monaco takes part in the 73rd World Health Assembly

The 73^rdWorld Health Assembly, held by the World Health Organization (WHO), was set to take place from 17 to 21 May this year in Geneva. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health restrictions, the Assembly was, in the end, held virtually on 18 and 19 May.

Despite being a virtual event, the Assembly was attended by several hundred delegates, including the 194 WHO member states, observers and partner organisations.

Given current circumstances, the Assembly focused on urgent points of governance and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Member states adopted, by consensus, a resolution on the pandemic, which was co-sponsored by nearly 150 states. The resolution calls for unity, solidarity and collaboration to contain and control COVID-19, as well as guaranteed universal access to the products and vaccines required to tackle the pandemic.

The resolution also recognises extensive immunisation against COVID-19 as a public good for health. It praises the efforts of health professionals, health workers and other relevant frontline workers in responding to the pandemic, enabling the essential services in our societies to function and caring for those infected with COVID-19.

The session was adjourned and is set to reconvene at a later date, probably towards the end of 2020.

The Monegasque delegation was led by H.E. Ms Carole Lanteri, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Monaco to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva.

The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of WHO, and is responsible for setting the organisation’s policy and approving its budgets. WHO is a key multilateral partner of the Prince’s Government on issues of international cooperation.