WHO - 154th Session of the Executive Board Item 14: WHO’s work in health emergencies - EU Statement
WHO
154th Session of the Executive Board
Item 14 – WHO’s work in health emergencies
EU Statement
Director General,
Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The EU and its Member States remain concerned about the alarming rise of especially the number of highest-level graded emergencies that have devastating consequences to the health and well-being of people.
We applaud the work of WHO and its staff’s tireless efforts in addressing the numerous health emergencies across the world from Afghanistan to Haiti, Somalia, Ukraine and others.
An increasing number and frequency of attacks on health care facilities and personnel are unacceptable. Health personnel and infrastructures should never be a target during armed conflicts.
With regard to our concern over the situation in Gaza, the position of the EU and its Member States is outlined in relevant Council Conclusions. Furthermore, regarding the proposed draft resolution, the EU and its Member States recall the EU statement of 10 December 2023 at the WHO EB Special Session on “Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem.”
Chair,
The Contingency Fund for Emergencies remains a critical tool during the acute phase of an emergency but we are concerned about the increasing and protracted financial needs, and with chronic under-funding of health appeals and operational plans. Therefore, we need the continued engagement of Member States to ensure the sustainability of the Fund.
The risk of future pandemics is real and important work is underway within the INB and IHR working group processes to address the lessons learned from Covid19 and the shortcomings of the current system. We look forward to a successful outcome at the WHA 77.
Everyone has the right to the highest attainable standard of health; this includes people affected by crisis. Well-functioning and sufficiently funded health systems form the basis of health security.
We call on every government to commit necessary resources to ensure health systems are functional, and resilient in the face of multiple hazards and that policy and investment take into account the importance of the whole-of-government approach to health protection.
We welcome the intention of the 14th General Programme of Work to strengthen WHO’s ability to fulfill its emergency coordination and operational mandate. The Investment case could usefully include suggestions to address financing needs in the light of a system wide approach.
Furthermore, we wish to highlight the importance of the impact of both sudden onset and protracted crises on women and girls and persons in vulnerable situations. We are especially concerned about worrisome trends in regard to access to sexual and reproductive health-care services and new-born health services. In addition, we note with deep concern the heightened risk of sexual and gender-based violence during emergencies, noting the severe impact such violence has on the physical and mental health of survivors. In that regard, the role played by civil society organizations and communities is also crucial. Finally, the EU and its MS support the 3 Resolutions to be adopted under agenda item 14.