Devex: What you need to know about the 71st WHA
“At a plenary session of the 71st World Health Assembly, during a statement in honor of the 100th birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, the World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus quoted the late leader: ‘It always seems impossible until it is done.’ That sentiment, he said, could also energize member states to realize health care for all. It is a fair assessment of the enormous tasks that lie ahead for global health leaders — as well, perhaps, of what the community accomplished last week at the WHA in Geneva…” (Ravelo/Chadwich, 5/29).

VOA News: WHO Chief Looks Forward to Ambitious Reform Program
“The World Health Organization’s annual conference ended on a high note Saturday, with the organization’s director general praising delegates for giving him a strong mandate to implement an ambitious program of reforms and initiatives that will improve global health. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus paid homage to his predecessor, Margaret Chan, saying the reforms begun under her leadership to make the World Health Organization more responsive and better able to tackle emergencies were now paying off…” (Schlein, 5/26).

Xinhua News: World Health Assembly closes with new course for WHO
“…At his closing speech on the final day of the WHA, Dr. Tedros recaptured the ‘triple billion’ targets which were approved this week in WHO’s new five-year strategic plan. By 2023 the targets aim to achieve: one billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage; one billion more people better protected from health emergencies; and one billion more people enjoying better health and wellbeing…” (5/27).