WHA Sets New Priorities for Global Health

The event, held May 22 to 27, drew more than 2,200 participants from WHO's 192 Member States, including official delegates, representatives of nongovernmental organizations, and observers. Following are some highlights of this year's assembly.

Delegates to the 59th World Health Assembly observed a moment of silence in memory of WHO Director-General LEE Jong-wook, who died on the assembly's opening day, May22, in Geneva. © Peter Williams/WHO

International Health Regulations. The assembly urged WHO member countries to comply immediately, on a voluntarily basis, with parts of the new International Health Regulations (IHR) related to avian and pandemic influenza (see "Countries Call for Early Compliance with Health Regulations"). The entire IHR go into effect formally in 2007.

HIV/AIDS. The assembly called on WHO to improve coordination with other international agencies and donors working on HIV/AIDS and to speed up progress toward universal access to treatment. It urged WHO to focus on areas where it can have maximum impact, particularly strengthening of health systems and human resources in health.

Infant breastfeeding. A resolution urged countries, multilateral institutions, and donors to renew their commitment to initiatives that promote breastfeeding and regulation of marketing of breast-milk substitutes.

Sexually transmitted diseases. The assembly adopted a draft strategy for prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections. It calls for linking prevention and control efforts with family planning, maternal health, and HIV prevention and care. It also urges comprehensive interventions, particularly for young people, that include full information, life skills training, education, and care.

Intellectual property rights. WHO member countries established an intergovernmental working group to develop action plans to implement the recommendations of the Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation and Public Health. These urge increased support for research and development on new and essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics, particularly those most needed in the developing world.

International Trade and Health. A resolution urged greater coordination on trade and health policies among ministries of finance, health, and trade, and other relevant public and private-sector stakeholders. The resolution urged WHO to provide technical assistance to support countries' development of coherent trade and health policies.

Health workers. The assembly said the global health workforce crisis must be addressed by international training partnerships and increased financial support for health training institutions in developing countries. The assembly also resolved to strengthen nursing and midwifery through new programs to improve recruitment and retention, and by ensuring that nurses and midwives are involved in human resources planning.

Polio eradication. The assembly called on polio-endemic countries to act on their commitment to vaccinate their populations, and urged polio-free countries to respond rapidly to any importation of the virus. It also asked WHO to provide advice on planning for a polio-free world. During the assembly,WHO honored a founding father of the global effort to eradicate polio, William T. Sergeant, who for 12 years has led Rotary International's PolioPlus program for polio eradication.