During 17–21 May 2010, the 63rd session of the World Health Assembly will take place in Geneva, Switzerland. A number of public health issues will be discussed by the Health Assembly at this session. These issues include the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005), monitoring of the achievement of the health-related Millennium Development Goals, strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and counterfeit medical products.

The program budget, administration and management matters of WHO will also be discussed during the Health Assembly.

How does the World Health Assembly works?

62 years ago, the WHO was established to promote health and relieve the burden of diseases worldwide. It is designed to serve 193 Member States, from which the Organization takes direction for its goals and priorities. Therefore, each year, senior health officials from all these Member States come to Geneva to participate and contribute to the World Health Assembly. The work of the WHO is reviewed, new goals are set, and new tasks are assigned at the Health Assembly.

This year, during the 63rd World Health Assembly, there is a long and complex list of health challenges and responses to review

What is the process followed at the annual World Health Assembly?

Two main meetings, each with a different purpose is held by the Health Assembly holds. First the Committees meet to debate on health and technical matters, which is Committee A. Then financial and management issues are discussed by the Committee B. The texts of resolutions are approved by the committees which are then submitted to the plenary meeting.

The meeting of all delegates to the World Health Assembly is the Plenary. Several times, the Health Assembly meets in plenary in order to listen to reports and implement the resolutions conveyed by the committees. The delegates at the plenary are also addressed by the Director-General and Member States.

Also, technical briefings are planned and organized individually on particular public health topics to present latest developments in the area, present a forum for debate and to enable information sharing.

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