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| Dr. Harsh Vardhan chairs 148th session of WHO Executive Board |
NEW DELHI (Lampe):- Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union
Minister for Health and Family Welfare digitally chaired the 148th session of
WHO Executive Board, through Video Conference yesterday.
His closing remarks were
as follows:
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates, My colleague Vice-Chairs and Rapporteur, Director
General, Regional Directors, Esteemed Partners, Ladies & Gentlemen
I want to begin by
expressing my deep gratitude to all of you for having participated with full
vigor and commitment to ensure a very productive and successful 148th Session of the WHO Executive Board.
I wish to thank all
Member States for adapting to the constraints of dealing with a large agenda
and that too virtually, across multiple time zones. I am also encouraged by the
widespread support expressed by many of you for the WHO to remain fully engaged
in our work to create a measurable impact on the lives of those who need us the
most.
I am encouraged that we
all agree that we have a policy framework and despite all the problems in the
world and the challenges we face. We are making tremendous progress.
I am equally encouraged
by the fact that we all agree that we need to further reform and defeat the
status-quo so that we can transform the lives of the people of the weakest and
most fragile member nations.
I am most encouraged by
the fact that despite the compelling circumstances that have forced us all to
meet virtually at a time of one of the gravest epochs of human tragedy, at a time when we all understand that there are going to be much urgent health
challenges in the next two decades, we have formed a common cause with a renewed
determination to work together and ensure that nothing and simply nothing can
stop us from moving towards universal healthcare for all.
I have said this before
and I repeat. All these challenges, such as the present pandemic, demand a
shared response because these are shared threats requiring shared responsibility
to act and, of course, this shared responsibility is also the core philosophy
of our alliance of member nations that comprise the WHO.
The commitment I have
seen this week amongst all of you makes me feel proud of our great
organization.
Ever since the COVID-19
was declared a pandemic, close to one year ago, we have put up a valiant fight
against the disease, with our collective efforts to suppress transmission,
prevent illness and reduce deaths.
Allow me to thank the
member nations that despite the wide disparity in their epidemiological trends,
we are on the verge of defeating the pandemic by adopting a pre-emptive,
proactive and collaborative strategy.
I must take this
opportunity to acknowledge all Member States for acting with speed and scale
during the rapidly evolving pandemic and displaying solidarity to help each
other on a bilateral as well as multilateral basis. The hard work and
determination demonstrated by the countries have saved countless lives amid the
ongoing response.
It may only be befitting
and proper for all of us to once again pay our respect to those brave men and
women who have sacrificed themselves in the pandemic and those who are
continuing to fight relentlessly and selflessly.
The past year 2020 has
been the Year Of Science when the best of humanity has shone through the gloom
that descended upon us due to the COVID19 pandemic. The situation demanded
setting up of major global collaborations so that scientists could share their
expertise.
For this, governments,
businesses and philanthropic organizations got together to start committing
resources. Therefore, it was not just the progress in science that became
remarkable, but the international collaboration that ensured widespread
benefits.
The biggest success of
this pandemic has been the teamwork and people putting the right outcome ahead
of individual glory. Healthcare organizations actually focused on delivering a meaningful goal, whether it was across a nation, across a continent, or across a
world.
Our science and
healthcare communities have exhibited that we can meet any pace, retain the
quality of our diagnostics and care, build confidence and trust that speed
doesn't mean lack of quality.
I have personally always
believed that the fruits of our collaboration on healthcare need equitable
distribution. We must deliver those to everybody in the world, and we must not
create a more unequal world.
As Chairman of the
Executive Board of the World Health organization, I’ve been talking about this
aspect to countries, funding agencies, our scientists, and philanthropists.
There is a commitment from everyone and I consider that the best outcome of 2020.
If 2020 was the year of
discovery for COVID Vaccines, 2021 will be the year we face the challenge of
getting it to people across the world who most need it. Here is the big role
that we at WHO must play.
Engagement with multiple
stakeholders and youth influencers is all the more important now to
spread the right information and dispel rumors about the vaccination program
and the continuation of other core public health measures aimed at ending the pandemic.
The work done by you in
the past one week will contribute to strengthening science, solidarity,
transparency, and accountability for needed innovations as we go forward.
We had a tremendous week
of discussions. Let me recall some highlights from our extensive and rich
discussions on the agenda placed before us.
You all underlined the
need to be swift and transparent in sharing information and the value of the
coordinated response. The updates on the evolution of variants of interest and
variants of concern and continued research on the development of therapeutics
and vaccines were useful.
The draft decision on
“Promoting mental health preparedness and response for public health
emergencies” will prove beneficial in addressing the mental health aspects of public
health emergencies.
The tireless efforts
made by the Member States and WHO in drawing up containment strategies as part
of COVID-19 response was recognized and appreciated by the Independent
Oversight and Advisory Committee IOAC.
Our fruitful discussions
will no doubt contribute to assessing which public health measures succeeded
and what failed as we tried to contain and suppress transmission, illness and
deaths since the onset of the outbreak. The lessons learned can be
utilized to make course corrections and further build core capacities and
strengthen health information systems and reporting mechanisms.
I also appreciate your
recommendations for a more accountable security apparatus with clear
responsibilities at the field, country, regional, and headquarter levels
related to the functioning of the WHO Health Emergencies Program.
I am equally concerned
that there should be greater, flexible, and predictable funding. I also
appreciate the point made by several of you regarding the oversight functioning
of IOAC as well as Member State surveillance capacity and systems which need to
be further strengthened.
From a “world at risk”
to a “world in disorder,” the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board pointed to
the inadequacies of systems and financing in an unprepared world.
As far as we can see,
the nation-state and mutual cooperation & solidarity among nations will
have to and continue to be the center-piece of the health emergency
preparedness and response system. Toward this end, timely reforms in the structure
and operations of the multilateral inter-governmental systems are needed to
reflect the realities of today’s world.
It is obvious that the
efforts to reform and strengthen WHO must naturally be led by the Member
Statesand thoughtfully considered, in terms of expectations and
financing.
There was also a
powerful discussion on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse
following the update on the Commission’s work provided by the Secretariat. The
WHO, working together with the UN inter-agency group of implementation
partners are further refining its approach of zero-tolerance towards sexual
exploitation and abuse, including reporting and investigation mechanisms and
protection of victims. A draft decision, co-sponsored by the several Member States,
was adopted to strengthen collective work in this essential area.
I fully appreciate that
some of you also highlighted the mismatch between the expectations from WHO and
it's capacity to deliver. Stating that the increasingly complex landscape due to
the COVID-19 impact and the transformation initiatives call for a clear
roadmap, updates on the results framework process and program budget were
requested before the World Health Assembly.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief
Medical Adviser to the President of USA addressed the EB on behalf of the
Biden-Harris administration, announcing that the USA will remain a
member of the WHO and fulfill its financial obligations, with
continued technical collaboration at all levels, including through its
collaborating centers. He acknowledged the role of WHO in leading the global
public health response to the outbreak; convening scientists and researchers to
help accelerate the development of vaccine therapeutics and diagnostics and
tracking the latest developments for keeping the Member States informed.
And with this message
from Dr. Fauci, the 148th Session of the WHO Executive Board was
etched in history.
On behalf of India and
as Chair of the WHO Executive Board, I welcome the announcement that the new administration of President Joe Biden will halt the process of withdrawing the
U.S. from the WHO. We note with pleasure that the USA will continue working with
all Member States with a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and
action in the global fight against the pandemic. As our DG said, “WHO is a
family of nations and it requires the solidarity of nations to prevail”.
I also appreciate the
discussions that took place regarding the Political Declaration of the third
high-level meeting of the General Assembly on prevention and control of
non-communicable diseases. Member States covered a wide range of issues under
this item from evaluation of the global action plan and global coordination
mechanism to diabetes to oral health.
The Member States called for
promoting cross-sectoral collaboration toward prevention and control of NCDs
and for increased resources for these persistently under-funded areas.
On the Global strategy
and plan of action on public health, innovation, and intellectual property
agenda and proposed resolution there were rich discussions with calls for
strengthening research and exchange of knowledge and information to improve
access to therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines. There is no doubt that
innovation and intellectual property rights should be harnessed to advance
collective global progress in both neglected and topical areas.
I must state here that
our programs must be designed with a view towards preparing our organization to
work in a world largely shaped and defined by rapidly changing realities such
as the exponential increases in urbanization and globalization leading to
massive progression in not just communicable and non-communicable diseases, but
also sudden public health threats in the nature of pandemics. The fruits of
science and innovation in healthcare going majorly to the rich countries is
also a stark reality.
In this context, I was
happy to see that our member nations presented the report on the social
determinants of health and supported the draft resolution, recognizing the
importance of ensuring health for all.
The Board was equally
pleased to consider global strategies and plans of action expiring within one
year; namely the WHO Global Disability Action Plan and the Global Health Sector
Strategies on, respectively, HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted
Infections.
The Board has welcomed
the Immunization Agenda 2030 and was unanimous in recognizing the central role
played by immunization programs in safeguarding public health globally. Member
States also called for early and equitable availability of COVID-19 vaccines,
including through the COVAX facility.
Immunization has been a
singularly successful global program in preventing vaccine-preventable
morbidity and mortality and WHO must continue providing evidence-based and
scientific advocacy to support the Member States in effectively implementing the
Immunization Agenda. Vaccine coverage must continue to improve, particularly to
reach vulnerable sections and reduce inequities.
Just yesterday, we took
up for discussion the Director-General’s report on antimicrobial resistance,
which is posing a great threat to the achievement of many sustainable
development goals.
Through its
Antimicrobial Resistance Division, WHO is spearheading the global response to
this threat although COVID19 has caused some disruptions in the planned and
ongoing antimicrobial resistance activities.
I am certain that under
WHO’s guidance member nations we will emerge stronger in tackling this
challenge.
Another infectious
disease, Poliomyelitis, which continues to be a cause of serious concern in
some parts of the world, was also taken up for discussion yesterday. The
mission of polio eradication resonates strongly with me at a personal level.
It was way back in 1994
when I dreamt of a Polio-free India. At that time, India was home to 60% of the
polio cases in the world. It was through the support of numerous voluntary
organizations and in no short measure the support of WHO that we kick-started
the journey for a polio-free India on October 2, 1994, in New Delhi. Today,
Polio stands eradicated from India with the last case reported in January 2011.
India received its polio-free certification from WHO in March 2014.
I am sure with the steps
highlighted during our discussions on the Director-General’s report on
Poliomyelitis eradication and Polio transition planning and polio
post-certification, a Polio-free world will soon become a reality.
I sincerely appreciate
the support extended by my colleague Vice-Chairpersons in the successful conduct of
this 148th Session, despite the difficulties
associated with holding a virtual meeting cutting across several time zones:
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al
Saidi of Oman, Dr. Patrick Amoth of Kenya, Mr. Björn Kümmel of Germany, and Dr
Franck C. S. Anthony of Guyana.
Our appreciation is due
to the Rapporteur, Dr. Amelia Afuha’amangoTu’ipulotu of Tonga who was very kind
in accommodating the most challenging time difference.
As briefly outlined, the
enriching statements and deliberations reflect the deep engagement of EB Member
States and other partners in coordinating, leading, and supporting not only the
global response against the unprecedented pandemic but also other public health
challenges.
I also acknowledge the
role of our sister UN agencies, inter-governmental organizations, partners and
non-state actors; appreciate their commitment and thank them for their keen
engagement and support extended for the successful conduct of the Session.
Let me applaud the WHO
staff at all three levels, Headquarters, Regional and Country Offices, for
their sincerity and dedication. Your work is immensely valued.
I appreciate the
Director-General, Regional Directors, and the Secretariat team for the energy
and insight they have displayed in the ongoing support to the Member States, not
only in emergency response but across all spheres.
Our sincere thanks to
the Governing Bodies’ colleagues, Translators, and the ICT team, for their hard
work they put in to ensure that this virtual 148th Session of the Executive Board, was seamless.
I also take this
opportunity to convey my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the citizens
of the world who contributed so much and at such cost in bringing to life the
“whole of society” approach in battling with this unforeseen crisis. To the
people who gave everything to vaccines, tests, and treatments this year, a big
thank you.
Amidst the challenges
that we all are facing, it was my personal privilege, as Chair of the Executive
Board, to spend time with all of you, learn from your rich experiences and
listen to your valuable recommendations.
The suggestions and
inputs of delegates and participants will be very useful in guiding the work of
the Organization, as we move forward with strengthened resolve and work toward
building a healthier, secure, and prosperous world.
I know well that all
Member States are doing their utmost to overcome challenges and improve the
accessibility, affordability, and quality of health-care services. But the job
isn’t finished yet, so we must redouble our commitments to put an end to the
pandemic.
In the present context,
nowhere is safe until everywhere is safe!
At the WHO, we have to
ensure that the low- and middle-income countries have access to all safe and
effective COVID19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
I have always said that
WHO needs to be a trailblazer. Working with Passion and Commitment, wanting to
make a difference in the world, and being satisfied with nothing less.
WHO’s a commitment to
providing “transformative” experiences for our member nations has been
exemplary. The challenges of the post-COVID world are many. For this, we need a
new vision. A new vision that allows this venerable institution to realize its
full potential and influence.
With renewed commitments
that we have made this week, let us pledge to work tirelessly to champion the
cause of WHO, to steward its mission, and to strengthen and secure its future.
With these words, I
conclude my remarks and close the 148th Session of the WHO
Executive Board.
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