World Health Assembly 63

President,
Director General,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

In September the world’s leaders will meet in New York to discuss the Millennium Development Goals. Improved health reduces both poverty and security threats. We need to constantly remind ourselves that the poor, especially women and children, are the most vulnerable.

Health is thus the key to the attainment of the MDGs. To succeed, all stakeholders, - member states, civil society, private sector and the UN family must make concrete contributions.  WHO has a special role to play. It  must be in the forefront in promoting the health related MDGs.

My Government has made a firm commitment to promoting women’s and children’s health as reflected in MDG 4 and 5.

President,

WHO should strengthen its engagement in the inherent health challenges of climate change; Poverty and hunger will increase, access to clean drinking water be reduced. The impact on global health is severe.

President,

Many of us are facing huge demographical changes. Our population is aging, posing challenges to our health systems. Not only is there a global lack of health personnel. The need for health personnel is increasing in many parts of the world. The peak of this crisis is still to be seen. It is obvious that committed international cooperation is essential. Agreement on a voluntary code of practice, as presented to this Assembly, is urgent.  

The rise in non-communicable diseases also increases the importance of the principle of “health in all policies”, as public health must be reflected in all sectors of government. More structural measures need to be put in place.

Norway highly welcomes the proposal for a strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Norway would also like to propose a resolution to accompany the proposed recommendations on marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. This is a vital tool in our efforts to prevent obesity.

To provide the right services, at the right level, at the right cost is a challenge to all of us. Health services founded on good primary health care is the best and most cost effective approach. An increased focus of WHO on health systems strengthening is overdue, and I highly welcome it.

Our health systems also face a change in the burden of disease. While communicable diseases traditionally have contributed most to the burden of disease, non-communicable diseases today contribute to around 60 per cent of the total burden. And the NCD proportion of the burden of disease is expected to increase in the years to come.

I also welcome the strategy on WHO’s role and responsibilities in health research. We need to obtain knowledge that ensures that the policies adopted and measures taken are evidence based. A clearly defined role for the WHO is of crucial importance. Norway is providing support for Health Systems Research to make health systems more effective.

President,

In order to deliver on its mandate, the UN organisations including WHO need to strengthen their cooperation at all levels.  In particular, WHO and other UN organisations have to strengthen their efforts to ensure a UN that “Delivers as One” at the country level. 

 I am happy also to note the collaboration established between the seven countries in the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative. The seven Foreign Ministers have taken a special interest in making foreign policies responsive to health. We appreciate the excellent working relationship with the Director General and WHO in this respect, reflecting our excellent cooperation.

Norway is posing our candidate for the Executive board this week. If elected, we aim at being an active contributor to the board’s discussions. I highly welcome the initiative taken by the Director-General to discuss the future financing and priorities of the organization. Norway supports a strong WHO.  Norway looks forward to working with Member States to strengthen the role of WHO in promoting the health of the peoples of the world.

Thank you.