The annual World Health Assembly (WHA) is one of the most predictable exercises. Representatives from 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) gather every year in May to attend the lengthy agenda and discuss policies and priorities for the WHO’s upcoming year.
These May gatherings always yield some surprises, and this year’s agenda that ended Tuesday was no expectation. From kissing bugs to snakebites, from skyrocketing drug prices to sexual rights, the 72nd World Health Assembly saw some surprising moments and unexpected decisions.
Skyrocketed Drug Prices
At the assembly, intense debates broke out over revealing the actual costs of drugs. Italy called for a public reporting of the research and development costs of drug manufacturers. By knowing how much it takes to develop a given drug would help countries to leverage in cost negotiations. The assembly watchers were surprised to see Germany, the United Kingdome, and Hungary isolated in seeking to block transparency. In fact, the United States, which is a supporter of Big Pharma on the international stage, supported the proposal of Italy.
Snakebites
On May 23, the WHO officially launched its new global snakebite strategy a year after the WHA resolution urged to take action on the issue. According to the WHO, more than 5 million people are bitten each year and nearly 138,000 people die. The strategy will seek to cut snakebite disabilities and death by 50% by 2030.
Sexual Health Rights
Representatives from the United States moved to eradicate any reference to sexual and reproductive health and rights from a resolution on universal health coverage. Discussions on the resolution of sexual and reproductive health and rights are expected to continue through July along with a meeting on universal health coverage in September.
Mental Health
Prior to a meeting on mental health began on May 22, over 200 attendees suddenly scooted back their chairs to stand. The reason for such kind of welcome was Majesty Mathilde, Queen of Belgians, accompanied by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The royal advocate for mental health told representatives that the mental issue has not been prioritized on the global agenda. Queen Mathilde said, “This means care is far too modest. Care for mental health must be mainstreamed.”
Walk the Talk
On May 19, representative proved they could do more than just talking about health. A day before the assembly began, the WHO sponsored a “Walk the Talk” event, which sent nearly 1,000 participants to walk or run the streets of Geneva to promote the health agenda of WHO and celebrate healthy lifestyles.
