The Honourable Cassanni Laville, Dominica’s Minister for Health, Wellness, and Social Services, accompanied by Dr. Andy St Hilaire, Acting Director of Primary Health Care Services. is currently attending the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, Switzerland, representing the Government. A health ministry release shared that the Assembly is held under the theme “One World for Health.”
Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Assembly gathers senior representatives from member states and international partners to tackle urgent health issues and shape the future global health agenda. The chosen theme underscores WHO’s ongoing dedication to solidarity, fairness, and unity—aiming to ensure that everyone, regardless of location or circumstances, has an equal chance to lead a healthy life.
Hon. Laville highlighted the importance of this year’s gathering, stating:
“The next few days are pivotal for shaping the future of global health, and our presence here is essential. We look forward to participating in elections for key health committees that will guide our collective priorities moving forward.”
He further mentioned that Dominica will take part in vital discussions on:
– Strengthening the effectiveness and responsiveness of WHO
– Protecting an additional one billion people from health emergencies
– Promoting the integration of health initiatives into the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
– Combating antimicrobial resistance
– Enabling one billion more individuals to attain improved health and well-being
A major milestone of the Assembly so far has been the unanimous approval of the first-ever global pandemic agreement, a historic accord designed to enhance international equity and preparedness for future pandemics. Adopted by consensus on Wednesday, May 21, after three years of negotiations catalyzed by COVID-19, this agreement was celebrated as a significant achievement for global public health.
“The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration, and commitment of our Member States,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This agreement is a victory for public health, science, and multilateral cooperation.”
The agreement—ratified on May 19 with 124 Member States voting in favor, no objections, and 11 abstentions—aims to guarantee fair access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics during future health crises, especially for developing nations. It also clarifies that WHO does not possess authority to override national laws, enforce lockdowns, or mandate vaccines.
A related resolution outlines upcoming steps, including the formation of a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, to be negotiated by an Intergovernmental Working Group. This system will facilitate prompt sharing of pathogens and associated benefits. To assist with implementation, new mechanisms such as a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) have been established to reduce obstacles to accessing critical pandemic response tools.
Under the PABS System, pharmaceutical companies will be required to provide WHO with up to 20% of their real-time production of vaccines and other essential supplies related to pandemics, based on public health needs. This agreement marks only the second international legal instrument enacted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, following the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
As WHA78 progresses, discussions will focus on several urgent issues outlined in WHO’s Programme of Work, including:
– Development of the health workforce
– Antimicrobial resistance
– Emergency preparedness and response
– Polio eradication efforts
– Climate change and health impacts
– The role of social connections as a health determinant
“These are not just items on a meeting agenda; they are vital to reimagining the future of healthcare worldwide,” Hon. Laville remarked. “I look forward to meaningful exchanges and the strengthening of partnerships to enhance the health and well-being of Dominica and our region.”
The Assembly will also host the presentation of the WHO Public Health Prizes and Awards on Friday, May 23, recognizing distinguished contributions to public health by individuals and organizations globally.
The event will conclude on May 27, followed immediately by the 157th Executive Board (EB157) meeting on May 28 and 29. As WHO’s principal decision-making body, the World Health Assembly establishes the Organization’s policies and approves its budget.
Again… MR DON’T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MEDICINE!!!!
Get someone who knows what they’re talking about – at least!
List 3 things this man has done to improve healthcare in Dominica … I’ll wait
I’d like to ask him what’s the difference between germs and bacteria. He should not have taken this position. Period.