The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the governing body meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO), the technical health agency of the United Nations. The WHA takes place each May at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and is attended by delegations from all 194 Member States. During the one week meeting, countries agree to resolutions, adopt action plans, supervise finances, review and approve the proposed budgets, discuss key public health issues, and determine the policies of the organization.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services leads the U.S. delegation to WHA.
HHS to Host Stakeholder Listening Session
Office of Global Affairs Stakeholder Listening Session for the Member State working group on strengthening WHO preparedness and response to health emergencies
HHS with interagency partners will hold an informal Stakeholder Listening Session on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 10 am – 11:30 am ET. The listening session will be held virtually, and the meeting link will be shared with registered participants prior to the session.
In May 2021, the World Health Assembly established a Member State working group on strengthening WHO preparedness and response to health emergencies (WGPR) through resolution WHA 74.7. The Stakeholder Listening Session will help the HHS Office of Global Affairs prepare the U.S. delegation to the WGPR by taking full advantage of the knowledge, ideas, feedback, and suggestions from all interested communities. We are particularly interested in hearing your priority recommendations for strengthening WHO with respect to health emergencies. Your input will contribute to U.S. positions as we discuss these important health topics with our international colleagues.
Participation is welcome from stakeholder communities, including:
- Public health and advocacy groups;
- State, local, and Tribal groups;
- Private industry;
- Minority health organizations; and
- Academic and scientific organizations.
Date and Time: Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 10 am - 11:30 am ET
Location: Virtual event
RSVP: Registration is required for the event. Please send your full name, email address, and organization to [email protected] to register. Please RSVP no later than Monday, August 16, 2021.
Written comments are welcome and encouraged, even if you are planning on attending the virtual meeting. Please send comments to [email protected].
