India assumed Presidency of the 68th World Health Assembly (WHA) after 19 years.

India assumed the presidency of the 68th World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva after a Leap of 19 years. The 68th WHA session began on 18 May 2015 and it will conclude on 27 May 2015. The WHA session is presided by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda who is also leading the high-level Indian delegation to the Assembly.

The Assembly will encourage the following Agenda:

  • Anti-microbial resistance.
  • Air pollution and health
  • Global health emergency, preparedness and surveillance.
  • Global strategy and plan of action on public health.
  • Innovation and intellectual property.
  • Research and development in neglected tropical diseases.

About World Health Assembly (WHA)

  • WHA is the world’s highest health policy setting body and the top decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
  • Headquaters: Geneva
  • The members of the World Health Assembly generally meet every year in May in Geneva.
  • Original membership :55 Members.
  • Current Membership: 194 Members
  • Main objective: to decide major policy questions, as well as to approve the WHO work programme and budget and elect its Director General.

About World Health Organization:

  • WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with international public health.
  • Established: On 7 April 1948.
  • Headquarters: Geneva
  • Predecessors: Health Agency
  • Head:  Margaret Chan