The 2016 World Health Assembly – More questions than answers…
Last week was the most important meeting of the year. At the 69th World Health Assembly, world leaders met once again like they do every year to agree on what to do the next. However, I have trouble appreciating the relevance and practical use of this meeting and I am left with more questions as I struggle to find any continuity from one annual meeting to the next. Here are some of the questions I ask myself regarding the 69th World Health Assembly.
First, as this is the World Health Assembly, I wonder: Is the world health better this year than last? Worse? Just in part? And what part is that?
Second, the topics seem to change every year and some things seem to stay the same. The commitment to achieving SDG3 seems to still be the same. I am happy about this. However, there are so many other topics that I wonder if the focus on SDG3 is part of a well-coordinated strategy to achieve all other goals or just one more topic in the long alphabetical list of the WHO. The World Health Assembly also discussed the International Health Regulations, tobacco control, road traffic deaths and injuries, nutrition, HIV, hepatitis and STIs, mycetoma, research and development, and also access to medicines and integrated health services. Were these topics discussed because they are the most important to improving world health? Where do these topics all fit in the world health strategy towards achieving SDG3? And what is a country to do when planning to address these topics and all other prevalent health problems over the next year cycle? Aren’t countries expected to apply what was discussed and report their progress next year?
Third, the main theme of the 69th World Health Assembly was about a new framework for engaging non-state actors that was approved after two years of negotiations. I do not work for a government so I was interested in this topic as I represent a non-state actor that would like to work with WHO and state members to help them accelerate their progress in meeting the health needs of their citizens. I have read the framework and it states the rules for non-profit, private and philanthropic organizations to get involved in the work of the WHO. The framework is not a practical tool for engagement but a bureaucratic dos and don’ts. It is not clear what role and accountability the non-state actors will have besides participating, providing evidence and advocating for what they think they must advocate for. Are they not also responsible for contributing their share to World Health? The framework is under the oversight of the WHO’s planning and budget committee of the executive board to prevent risks that may affect the WHO and member states. Shouldn’t the Board hold these non-state actors accountable for their actions as well?
I do hope the 70th World Health Assembly shows greater impact and less bureaucracy. A reform is under way in WHO and I hope it includes the World Health Assembly and how accountable it must be to all the human beings in this world. The Health status of the World is their hands….
Share with me your questions about WHO, the World Health Assembly and the role of non-state actors in the comments below. Also, send an email to comments@realizingglobalhealth.com if you are interested in participating in a seminar on this topic.
