GENEVA: The 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) has started with a focal point on ending the current coronavirus pandemic and preventing the next one by building a healthier, safer and fairer world. Prior to the WHA, numerous reports of review and recommendation by respective WHO panels have been publicized, including the main report by the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

Other highlights of the WHA agenda include the WHO's work in health emergencies, such as the Covid-19 response; a global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property as the WHO and some member states have been calling for waiver of intellectual property rights for Covid-19 response tools, particularly vaccines; and WHO transformation, which should aim at strengthening the independence, authority and financing of the organization.

"This year's World Health Assembly will play a vital role in shaping the global health architecture of the future, and in strengthening the WHO to fulfill its mission and mandate," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

As the highest decision-making body of the WHO, the WHA, held from Monday to June 1, is attended by delegations from all around the world and also open to associate members, observers, invited representatives of the UN and other participating inter-governmental organisations, and non-State actors.

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