The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) is set to take place in New York, and with it comes an unprecedented focus on global public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging world leaders to prioritize pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, as well as secure health for all, end tuberculosis (TB), and reinvigorate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This call to action comes in the midst of multiple humanitarian and climate-related crises, which are threatening lives and livelihoods worldwide. As government leaders gather to make commitments, they have the opportunity to demonstrate that health is an investment, not a cost, and is crucial for flourishing societies and economies. WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizes the importance of learning from the COVID-19 pandemic and taking concrete steps towards a healthier, safer, and fairer world for all people.
UN General Assembly Focus on Global Public Health
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has placed an unprecedented focus on global public health, with the World Health Organization (WHO) urging world leaders to commit to progress on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. As the world faces multiple humanitarian and climate-related crises, it is crucial to secure health for all, end tuberculosis (TB), and reinvigorate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Calls to Accelerate Health Targets
Ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit (SDG Summit) and a series of health-focused high-level meetings at UNGA, there is a pressing appeal to accelerate the achievement of health targets. These meetings aim to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, as well as deliver universal health coverage (UHC) and put an end to TB.
Health as an Investment
It is essential to recognize that health is an investment rather than a cost. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught valuable lessons about the importance of prioritizing health. It is fundamental to the well-being of individuals, families, societies, and economies. By investing in health, we ensure thriving, resilient communities that can withstand future challenges.
Stagnation in Health Progress
Despite progress in various areas of health, there has been a stagnation in reducing infant and maternal mortality rates. In some regions, these rates have even increased. Additionally, progress in addressing infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria has faltered. Moreover, there have been rollbacks in sexual and reproductive health and rights, and access to life-saving tools remains uneven across the globe.
Positive Developments
Amidst the challenges, there have been positive developments in health. New technologies have emerged that hold promise for improving healthcare delivery and outcomes. Furthermore, there is a renewed commitment to equity and sharing, driven by the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. These developments offer opportunities for addressing health disparities and achieving better health outcomes for all.
Health as a Human Right
Billions of people around the world still cannot access or afford essential health services. This lack of access exposes them to poverty, preventable diseases, and the potential impact of future epidemics and pandemics. It is crucial to recognize that health is not just a fundamental human right; it is also the foundation of safe, peaceful, and prosperous societies. Investing in health is essential for promoting social cohesion and sustainable development.
WHO’s Participation at UNGA
Leading the WHO’s delegation at UNGA is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO. The organization will actively participate in high-level meetings and events, emphasizing the importance of global health. Additionally, WHO will launch an updated UHC Global Monitoring Report, providing valuable insights into the progress and challenges in achieving universal health coverage.
Walk the Talk
As part of the UNGA events, WHO will organize the Walk the Talk event in New York’s Central Park. This event aims to promote physical and mental health and commemorate WHO’s 75th anniversary. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a run, walk, or wheelchair use over a four-mile route. The event will also feature renowned performers and speakers, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being.
SDG Summit and High-Level Meetings
The SDG Summit will serve as a platform for Heads of State and Government to assess progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. One of the crucial themes of the summit is SDG3, which focuses on achieving healthy lives and well-being for all. Additionally, the UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response will provide Member States with a forum to discuss strategies for addressing pandemics and their social and economic consequences. Further high-level meetings will also cover topics such as universal health coverage and the fight against tuberculosis.
Policies and About WHO
In addition to its participation at UNGA, WHO is committed to various policies and initiatives. These include ensuring cyber security, upholding ethical standards, managing permissions and licensing, preventing sexual exploitation, defining terms of use, providing information about the organization, offering career opportunities, maintaining a comprehensive library, managing procurement, publishing relevant resources, addressing frequently asked questions, facilitating contact with WHO, and providing newsletters to keep stakeholders informed. Moreover, WHO places a high priority on privacy and has a robust privacy policy in place.
In conclusion, the UN General Assembly’s focus on global public health highlights the urgent need to address the challenges and opportunities in the field. By accelerating progress on health targets, recognizing health as an investment, and upholding health as a human right, leaders can pave the way for a healthier, safer, and fairer world. WHO’s active participation at UNGA, including the Walk the Talk event, reinforces the organization’s commitment to promoting global health. The SDG Summit and high-level meetings offer crucial platforms for discussing and implementing strategies to achieve universal health coverage, prevent pandemics, and fight against diseases like tuberculosis. Ultimately, by prioritizing global public health, we can build resilient societies and improve the well-being of individuals worldwide.
