Press Release
Hon. Minister of State for Health Ms. Padma Kumari Aryal delivered a statement at the 71st session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) this morning. The WHA is being held at the Palais Des Nations, Geneva from 21st to 26th of May this year. Attended by delegations from all Member States, the WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
In her address, the Minister of State highlighted Nepal’s positive health outcomes attained so far including the attainment of MDGs, challenges of adapting effective health system in the federalised State structure and the importance of partnership with WHO and the international community. She noted that Nepal’s proposed reforms in the health sector is in line with WHO’s reform agenda as reflected in the General Programme of Work ( 2019-2023), which is being adopted by the Assembly today.
The Minister of State said Nepal is in need of functional partnership and practical collaborations in moving the health systems towards the right direction. To this end, we would like to call our valued partners and the global communities to support us in developing the comprehensive policies and delivering the right plans, she said.
This year’s Assembly organised on the theme of ‘Health for All: Commit to Universal Health Coverage’; is presided over by the Zimbabwean Health and Child Care Minister, Dr David Parirenyatwa. The opening session yesterday was addressed by the President of Swiss Confederation and the Director General of WHO, among others.
On 20th May, Hon’ble Minister of State Ms. Aryal met with WHO Director General Dr. Tedros and held discussion on issues of interests between Nepal and WHO. Congratulating on successful elimination of trachoma in Nepal, a certificate of recognition was handed over by the DG to the State Minister Ms. Aryal. The discussion focused on setting up of effective federal health system and strengthening partnership with WHO to build a robust health system in Nepal. The DG expressed hope that Nepal would also be able to eliminate Kaalajar in the near future. Following the meeting with the DG, Hon’ble Ms. Aryal and the Nepali delegation attended the reception hosted by the Regional Director of the South East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) where Ministers and delegation members from the region met and exchanged views on public health issues.
The delegation led by the Hon. Minister of State for Health comprises H.E. Mr. Deepak Dhital, Permanent Representative of Mission of Nepal to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, Mr. Tirtha Raj Wagle, Deputy Representative of the Mission, Mr. Mahendra Prasad Shrestha, Chief of PPICD, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dilip Sharma, Registrar, Nepal Medical Council and other senior officials.
Leading the Nepali delegation to the 71st WHA, the Hon. Minister had arrived in Geneva on 19th of May and is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on 24th of May 2018.
Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations Offices and other international organisations in Geneva
Switzerland
22 May 2018