This three-point strategy aims at ensuring that 1 billion people get health coverage, are better protected from emergencies and enjoy wellbeing by 2023
Delegates attending the 71st World Health Assembly (WHA) agreed to follow a new five-year plan designed to help the world achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – with a particular focus on SDG3.
The 13th General Programme of Work (GPW) plans to ensure 1 billion more people benefit from universal health coverage, 1 billion more people are better protected from health emergencies and 1 billion more people enjoy better health and wellbeing by 2023.
The WHO estimates that achieving this “triple billion” target could save 29 million lives. At the Assembly, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the delegates that the GPW is ambitious because “it must be”.
The Assembly will see a wide range of issues be discussed. Over the coming days, delegates will make decisions relating to the International Health Regulations (2005), the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), physical activity, digital health, assistive technology, polio virus, and health conditions in the occupied Palestine territory. Other issues that will also figure in the Assembly’s schedule will be access to essential medicines and vaccine and health of women, children and adolescents.
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