World Health Assembly set to tackle HIV/AIDS, SARS, the global strategy on diet, physical activity and health

May 14 2004

The World Health Assembly, bringing the 192 Member States of the World Health Organization together, is set to consider several critical health issues next week. The Assembly is the supreme decision-making body for WHO, and runs this year from 17 - 22 May. It will discuss actions needed to fight HIV/AIDS, to increase safety on the world's roads, a proposed strategy on diet, physical activity and health, a proposed strategy for reproductive health, a resolution on family health, and will receive updates on progress in eradicating polio, controlling measles and SARS. Keynote addresses will also be given by former Presidents Kim Dae-jung of the Republic of Korea, and Jimmy Carter of the United States of America.

"There are many health challenges we must overcome, including detecting emerging, new diseases, combating those which have been with us for decades, and the risks linked to unhealthy diet. The World Health Assembly is the forum for countries to decide on health priorities, and to give direction on how these can be addressed," said Dr LEE Jong-wook, Director-General of the WHO at a briefing with journalists today. "All of our health work must ultimately serve to strengthen health systems. That is the way countries can sustain progress in public health."

Below is a list of agenda items and issues which may be of interest to journalists. Below is a list of agenda items and issues which may be of interest to journalists. Accompanying documents and background information can be found at the World Health Assembly documentation web site.

An updated World Health Assembly Journal is posted daily also at the World Health Assembly documentation web site, which details the latest agenda. Note that times and dates for agenda items may change, so journalists should regularly consult the Journal, and contact WHO media staff for updates. A full list of staff contacts and other information about the Assembly can be found in the World Health Assembly media advisory.

For more information contact:

Ms Christine McNab
Telephone: +41 22 791 4688
Mobile phone: +41 79 254 6815
Email: [email protected]

Mr Iain Simpson
Telephone: +41 22 791 3215
Mobile phone: +41 79 475 5534
Email: [email protected]

Ms Fadéla Chaib
WHO
Telephone: +41 22 791 3228
Mobile phone: +41 79 475 5556
Email: [email protected]