Moldova seeks support to modernize its healthcare system at the 79th WHO meeting
The Republic of Moldova is aligning its healthcare reforms with global trends and seeking international support for the modernization of its healthcare system at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. The 79th General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights several critical issues facing healthcare systems worldwide, including preparedness for future pandemics, the lack of health financing, and the impacts of climate change on populations.
"For the Republic of Moldova, this participation is an opportunity to strengthen the dialogue with international partners, discuss the priorities of our health system, and connect the reforms we are implementing to global trends in medicine and public health," stated Minister Emil Ceban, head of the Moldovan delegation, in a post on Facebook.
On the first day of the session, the Minister of Health participated in the launch of the Pan-European Commission for Climate and Health's Call to Action. The Moldovan official highlighted the direct link between climate change and public health.
"I argued during the panel discussion that population health is inextricably linked to the quality of the environment in which we live. Promoting specific policies and measures that mitigate the climate's impact on health, along with multisectoral commitment to their implementation, is essential for enhancing our capacity to respond to these challenges," the Minister stated.
While in Geneva, Emil Ceban also met with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the organization's Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge. The discussions focused on the support needed by the Republic of Moldova for implementing health reforms and strengthening cooperation with the international organization.
The World Health Assembly is taking place during a challenging time for the global health system. The agenda includes negotiations on the global pandemic treaty, reform of the global health architecture, and management of new epidemiological threats, including recent outbreaks of hantavirus and Ebola.
In the coming days, the delegation from the Republic of Moldova will participate in the plenary session of the Assembly and several bilateral meetings with representatives from other states and international organizations.
The 79th WHO General Assembly will be held until Saturday, May 23, in Geneva, Switzerland.
