Malaysia urges global solidarity and calls for halt to attacks on Gaza at WHA78
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia reiterated its firm stance that the health of the people is fundamental to sustainable development, while expressing support for global solidarity and calling for an immediate ceasefire of humanitarian attacks in Gaza.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the theme 'One World for Health' is highly relevant in efforts to build more resilient healthcare systems.
"The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a public health disaster, and the attacks must be stopped immediately alongside the Palestinian people's right to fully recognised statehood.
"The international community must remain steadfast in condemning the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza," he said during his speech delivering the National Statement at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, tonight.
Dr Dzulkefly leads Malaysia's delegation to WHA78, which runs from Sunday until May 22.
Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for the comprehensive report presented.
"The theme 'One World for Health' is highly relevant in efforts to build more resilient healthcare systems," he said.
In his speech, he said Malaysia welcomed the success of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) talks, which were considered a significant achievement in strengthening pandemic preparedness.
He said Malaysia will present a key resolution titled 'Promoting and Prioritising An Integrated Lung Health Approach', which calls for global action to prevent, detect, and treat lung diseases, urging member states to support the resolution.
Dr Dzulkefly also said that Malaysia is actively integrating genomic medicine and precision treatment through the MyGenom initiative, in addition to accelerating the adoption of digital health technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
"Malaysia is also hosting a side event at WHA78 themed on oral health, and we support giving this agenda a place at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)," he said.
He reaffirmed Malaysia's support for the General Programme of Work 14 (GPW14) and called on all countries to work together for global health.
Meanwhile, as chair of Asean 2025, Malaysia was honoured to deliver the chair's statement on behalf of all Asean member states at WHA78.
In the joint statement, Asean reiterated its commitment to strengthening global health security post-Covid-19 pandemic based on the principles of solidarity and universal equity.
"Aligned with this year's WHA theme, 'One World for Health', Asean recognises multidimensional and cross-border health issues including climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical challenges.
"Building on the Asean Declaration on the One Health Initiative, we are strengthening the One Health Network to enhance coordinated action at the regional level," the joint statement said.
The statement also said Asean supports WHA78's theme, recognising the multidimensional and cross-border health challenges involving climate change, economic disparities, and geopolitical tensions.
"Based on the Asean Declaration on the One Health Initiative, we are enhancing the Asean One Health Network to improve coordination at the regional level," it added.
Dr Dzulkefly highlighted Asean's important achievements through regional mechanisms such as the Asean Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, the Asean Biological Threat Monitoring Centre (ABVC), and the Asean Emergency Operations Centre Network.
"Therefore, efforts must be intensified to ensure equitable and timely access to essential medical supplies. Asean also emphasises the need to promote local production and regional self-reliance in vaccine, diagnostic, and therapeutic manufacturing.
"Asean's commitment to regional peace and prosperity is manifested through strengthening resilience and regional self-reliance, including through the Asean Declaration of Commitment on Medicine Supply Security and Self-Reliance to be announced," he said.
At the same time, Asean will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with WHO to build a healthier, safer, and more equitable world, in line with Asean's theme of inclusivity and sustainability.
"Sustainable financing and inclusive decision-making must be emphasised for shared progress, narrowing development gaps, and fostering regional unity," he said.
Asean, Dr Dzulkefly added, is committed to enhancing the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies, as well as expanding universal health coverage through strengthening health systems and cooperation on healthy lifestyles, digital health, and health security.
"Asean calls for continued international community support to strengthen collective efforts in building a healthier and more resilient Asean Community for the welfare of its people and global humanity," he said.
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