NHC minister attends 75th World Health Assembly

The 75th World Health Assembly opened on May 22 in Geneva, Switzerland. Ma Xiaowei, minister of China's National Health Commission (NHC), delivered a video speech at the general debate with theme of "health for peace, peace for health".

Ma stressed that China adheres to scientific and precise anti-COVID-19 measures and dynamic zero-COVID policy based on domestic situations. Efforts have been made to flexibly adjust protocols for COVID-19 prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment and effectively coordinate epidemic control and economic and social development to maximize the protection of people's lives and health, he said.

He also noted that China will continue to support the World Health Organization (WHO) in playing a central role in promoting fair access to vaccines, and is willing to work with the international community to facilitate the construction of a global community of health for all.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, called on all parties to increase input in health care and effectively promote vaccine access to bring an end to the pandemic as soon as possible. He said the WHO hopes to make joint efforts with all parties to further reform and improve the global health governance system.

The assembly will discuss about 50 topics, including the election of the director-general, prevention of and response to public health emergencies, disease prevention and control, and WHO' planning and budgeting. Around 2,000 representatives from the WHO member states, relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations participated in the event. The assembly will conclude on May 28.

Members of the Chinese delegation included representatives from the NHC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control, the Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva, related experts, and representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.