News outlets report on the opening of the World Health Assembly and the launch of a new WHO initiative focused on childhood obesity.

Devex: Will NCDs gain traction at the World Health Assembly?
“The 67th World Health Assembly is happening this week in Geneva, and one of the key issues on the agenda is noncommunicable diseases…” (Ocampo, 5/19).

Intellectual Property Watch: WHO Director Chan Stresses Polio, Inequity, Climate, Junk Food, Supremacy Of Health Over Economic Interests
“World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan opened the annual World Health Assembly today with strong calls to address a wide range of top health concerns across the world. This included a call for the global health community to work to assert the primacy of health concerns over economic interests where necessary…” (New, 5/19).

MercoPress: WHO’s Dr. Chan targets childhood obesity: ‘our children are getting fatter’
“World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan voiced deep concern about the increase worldwide of childhood obesity, with numbers climbing fastest in developing countries. … To gather the best possible advice on dealing with this crisis, Dr. Chan announced that she has established a high-level Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity…” (5/19).

U.N. News Centre: Future global development agenda must include targets for improved health — U.N. official
“Health must be a part of any future global development agenda, a senior United Nations official underscored today as she outlined a host of issues afflicting millions around the world and which impact on efforts to reduce poverty and advance overall well-being…” (5/19).

VOA News: WHO: Conflict, Inequality, and Economic Exclusion Threaten Health Gains
“The Director-General of the World Health Organization warns conflict, social inequality and economic exclusion are threatening important gains made in health…” (Schlein, 5/19).