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Mr
President,
Distinguished
Delegates,
We are coming to the end of a challenging and
intense World Health Assembly.
An Assembly taking place in the shadow of growing
health crises in the developing world. An Assembly taking place at a
time of new energy for global action for better health equity. Health
has a new place now. It is at the centre of the development process.
No longer is it acceptable that millions suffer for want of preventive
and care services that are accessible to a privileged few. That means
a special effort – to increase access to medicines and vaccines, to
functioning health systems, to resources that reach those most in
need.
The President described the successful round tables
last Tuesday. They were good. We heard how thinking around issues of
mental health is changing. Many Ministers confirmed that mental health
issues are a priority in their planning and work. They are integrating
mental health care better into their health services – in ways that
respond well to the needs of people, and reflect best health care
practice. But that is not all. They are finding better ways to reduce
stigma and discrimination – changing legislation, introducing new
procedures and increasing public awareness.
We are better able to stop exclusion and dare to
care. Through our actions, we can shine light into the darkness that
engulfs those suffering from mental illness. We can make a difference.
We have made real progress in the contentious area
of infant and young child feeding. During the last year WHO convened
the best scientists, analysed the data, and the result is a useful
resolution.
There were informative technical briefings –
leprosy, polio, tobacco, diseases associated with poverty. These are
all important areas of our collective work. There are signs of real
progress towards a leprosy and polio free world; in rolling back
malaria and stopping TB.
It has been an Assembly where two issues have
dominated the discussions: HIV/AIDS and the budget.
The visit by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan last
Thursday was a real inspiration for us all. Mr Annan said that
the wisdom and support of this Assembly is acutely needed for the
global struggle against the global scourge of HIV/AIDS. He is right.
The Assembly has lived up to Mr Annan’s
challenge. The resolution on HIV/AIDS breaks new ground. Never before
have care and prevention been brought together in such a clear and
unequivocal way.
The resolution sets out clear priorities both for
the global struggle and WHO’s work. It sets out our directions –
clearly. It shows where we need to go. We now have a strong and clear
roadmap. WHO can and will play a key role as a cosponsor of UNAIDS; in
the creation of the Global AIDS and Health Fund; in helping countries
to respond – effectively.
We have secured a new budget. The compromise that
was reached on Monday is a real success – for us all. But assessed
contributions during the next biennium will not fully cover our
regular budget. But I am heartened by the obvious willingness of many
Member States to contribute generously to miscellaneous income. They
can ensure that the funds available for spending cover both the budget
and the additions we need for priorities.
We will surmount our hardships and have a
significant increase in resources for our priority activities. As Ms
Noreen Kaleeba sang from this podium nine days ago, after her
inspiring address: We shall Overcome!
Finally, I would like to join you, Mr President, in
thanking all delegations, and especially you, Madame President, and
the Vice-Presidents and Chairmen of Committees and Round Tables. May I
also thank all my colleagues on the staff of WHO, and our
interpreters. All mentioned have worked very hard to help achieve the
important steps for health taken by this Assembly.
Thank you. |
