Ethiopia at the forefront of the 76th World Health Assembly: Saving Lives, Driving Health for All

The 76th World Health Assembly was conducted in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 21–30, 2023, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization, its impact and multilateralism. Ethiopia was represented by the Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse, who led the delegation.

Dr. Lia Tadesse, addressing the assembly, emphasized that when health is at risk, everything is at risk and that we must demonstrate solidarity more than ever to elevate health as a global, regional, and national agenda. She also reiterated that the lessons learned from the current pandemic and other emerging public health issues are crucial in guiding future global partnerships for health security and expressed Ethiopia’s gratitude for the sacrificial and courageous deeds of the many healthcare workers who have been, still are, and will continue to serve on the front lines, saving lives.

Highlighting the progress made in Ethiopia and the challenges faced, the Minister stressed the need for adequate and sustainable health financing through government, domestic resources, and better aligned donor funds to maintain the gains and fill the gaps in our health systems to achieve universal health coverage and build resilience. She also held several bilateral meetings to discuss partnerships and collaboration in health and spoke at over 15 side events, sharing Ethiopia’s experiences.

The World Health Assembly was also marked by the endorsement of a new resolution put forward by Ethiopia and co-sponsored by over 80 member states. This resolution, titled Integrated emergency critical and operative care for universal health coverage and protection from health emergencies, aims to galvanize efforts for the provision of timely, high-quality, safe and integrated people centered service delivery across the life course for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This resolution calls for coordinated action to inspire and catalyze timely additional efforts globally, to strengthen the planning and provision of Emergency Critical and Operative care services as part of universal health coverage so as to meet population health needs, improve health system resilience and ensure public health security.

Ethiopia, together with Malaysia, also hosted a side event to advocate for action in the implementation of the resolution (WHA 76.56) and invited stakeholders for increased partnership and cooperation to meet the mandates under the resolution. Ethiopia remains at the forefront of global health diplomacy and continues to work towards a healthy, productive, and prosperous society.