By Muhammad Amaan
The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners are set to raise global awareness on urgent actions needed for healthier, safer societies at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) scheduled to hold in New York city.
The organization, in a statement on Monday, said that UNGA81 came at a critical time as countries confront ongoing health emergencies, economic pressures, climate-related threats and declining development assistance, while seeking ways to strengthen health systems.
According to it, the General Assembly, themed “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,” will provide a platform for advancing collective solutions to pressing global health challenges.
“WHO will promote action on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, sustainable health financing, climate and health, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and global health security.
“The organisation will also advocate stronger, resilient health systems grounded in universal health coverage and primary health care to better protect populations from current and emerging threats.
“A major focus will be the Second United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response scheduled for September 25,” it said.
The statement said that the meeting would enable governments and partners to review progress since the first high-level meeting in 2023 and renew political commitment to preventing future pandemics.
“Since 2023, countries have adopted the WHO Pandemic Agreement, strengthened the International Health Regulations and established the Pandemic Fund to support global pandemic preparedness efforts.
“Other advances include the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, WHO BioHub System and Global Health Emergency Corps, alongside expanded support for regional vaccine manufacturing,” it said.
The world body also said recent Ebola, mpox, cholera and hantavirus outbreaks continued to demonstrate that preparedness remained an urgent global priority requiring sustained political commitment and international cooperation.
“Throughout UNGA81, WHO leaders will engage heads of state and government, ministers, multilateral organisations, development banks, philanthropies, civil society and scientific partners on shared health solutions.
“The engagements will seek to strengthen collective action, mobilise sustainable resources and promote innovative approaches capable of addressing today’s health challenges while preparing for future global health risks,” it said.
