Minister Nazim departs for Geneva to deliver speech at WHA

Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim has departed for Geneva, Switzerland to take part in the World Health Assembly – an annual event held by the World Health Organization.

The WHA will take place in Geneva from May 22 to May 31.

Speaking to press at Velana International Airport before departing for Geneva this Saturday morning, Nazim said participating in the WHA is beneficial for the future of the Maldivian health sector.

Nazim said he was also due to speak at the WHA.

“In my speech, I will speak of the challenges facing small island nations such as Maldives in achieving sustainable development. I will especially focus on garnering attention and assistance from other countries for challenges faced by Maldives,” said Nazim.

Nazim said he will also speak about the challenges in human resource development in the

Maldivian health sector.

The main functions of the WHA are to determine the policies of WHO, appoint the Director-General for the next five-year term, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed program budget.

WHO member countries will also discuss global health challenges.

“Dominant global health challenges such as what needs to be done about the refugee and migrant crisis. Especially the role WHO can play in addressing health challenges in places such as Syria and Palestine and what individual countries can do to help,” explained Nazim.

Nazim said he was also scheduled to meet his counterparts from other WHO member countries such as Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia and discuss possible assistance to Maldivian health sector at the sidelines of the WHA.