Leading a five-member delegation from Bhutan, Health minister Tandin Wangchuk is attending the 70th Session of the World Health Assembly, which began yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland.

Attended by delegations from all 194 WHO Member States, the World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organisation and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. Bhutan holds a three-year membership of the Executive Board is also a member of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee.

Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk will deliver a statement at the plenary session and co-sponsor a number of side-events on tobacco control, malaria elimination, non-communicable diseases and Sustainable Developmental Goals.

The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organisation, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. This 70th Session of the Assembly will also elect a new Director General for the organisation.

This session will deliberate on non-communicable diseases, promoting health through the life course, preparedness, surveillance and response to antimicrobial resistance, poliomyelitis, International Health Regulations, health emergencies and communicable diseases.

Staff reporter