Press release
Minister for Health addresses WHO World Health Assembly in Geneva
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is leading Ireland’s delegation to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) annual World Health Assembly which is taking place from 21 to 30 May 2023 in Geneva.
Minister Donnelly today met with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus before delivering Ireland’s national statement to the Assembly.
Minister Donnelly stated:
"Ireland continues to support the WHO’s essential work and its central role in the global health architecture.
“I want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of our healthcare workers, in particular during the recent very testing years. They are at the heart of our health services."
Turning to the vital work of WHO during emergencies, Minister Donnelly reiterated the Irish Government’s condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine including documented attacks on healthcare facilities.
Minister Donnelly added:
"We call for an end to all attacks on healthcare facilities and for the protection of healthcare workers globally."
Minister Donnelly also welcomed work underway to develop a new international agreement on Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response as well as to amend the International Health Regulations.
During his time at the WHO headquarters, Minister Donnelly is engaging with senior health leaders and ministerial counterparts to talk about Ireland’s deepening engagement with WHO and to discuss shared public health challenges.
This is also the Minister’s first international engagement since signing into law Ireland’s Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 and the remaining provisions of Section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act.
Minister Donnelly said:
"Ireland is the first country in the world to introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products and I am eager to share our experience with other countries."
Minister Donnelly is meeting with WHO Europe Regional Director Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Dr Mike Ryan and other senior WHO officials. Minister Donnelly is also holding bilateral meetings with Canadian Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Dr Carolyn Bennett, Norwegian Minister of Health and Care Services, Ingvild Kjerkol, and UK Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, Will Quince.