Sir Molwyn Joseph in Geneva for the 76 th World Health Assembly

Minister of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation, and the Environment Sir Molwyn
Joseph is in Geneva, Switzerland for the 76 th World Health Assembly (WHA) which
began on 21 May and ends on 30 May 2023.
This year’s theme for WHA, “WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all” is
consistent with the function of the WHO – promoting health, ensuring that everyone
everywhere has access to quality essential health services, and protecting people from
health emergencies.
Sir Molwyn Joseph in his role as Vice President of the 30th Pan American Sanitary
Conference of the Pan American Health Organization, 74 th Session of the Regional
Committee of WHO for the Americas, presided at the Heads of Delegations Meeting this
morning.
During his remarks, Sir Molwyn noted that the COVID-19 pandemic bought to the fore,
the urgent need for investment in health systems that are resilient and based on primary
health care, as this is the most effective way to overcome inequities, build resilience,
and be better able to prevent, prepare for and respond to emerging public health
threats. He believes that having experienced this pandemic, the Region of the Americas
emerged stronger and with a renewed/reaffirmed commitment to solidarity and Pan-
Americanism.
Minister Joseph is expected to meet with Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan
American Health Organization (PAHO) to discuss health priorities for Antigua and
Barbuda and how PAHO can give support.
Ahead of the WHA, Commonwealth Ministers of Health met with the Secretary-General
of the Commonwealth, The Rt. Hon Patricia Scotland, for discussions on lessons
learned from the COVID-19 pandemic about Health System Resilience, Health Security,
and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Health Ministers also had the opportunity to
share progress on UHC and challenges and priorities to accelerate UHC goals.
Accompanying Sir Molwyn at the 76 th WHA is Chief Medical Officer (Ag.) Dr. Teri-Ann
Joseph.