Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister has told a meeting in Geneva Switzerland, that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the fore, the urgent need for investment in health systems that are resilient based on primary health care.

Sir Molwyn Joseph is attending the 76^th World Health Assembly (WHA) which began on 21 May and ends on 30 May 2023.

In his role as Vice President of the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference of the Pan American Health Organization, 74^th Session of the Regional Committee of WHO for the Americas, Sir Molwyn presided at the Heads of Delegations Meeting yesterday

“This is the most effective way to overcome inequities, build resilience, and be better able to prevent, prepare for and respond to emerging public health threats. He believes that having experienced this pandemic, the Region of the Americas emerged stronger and with a renewed/reaffirmed commitment to solidarity and Pan Americanism” Sir Molwyn said

This year’s theme for WHA, “WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all” is according to the organizers, consistent with the function of the WHO – promoting health, ensuring that everyone everywhere has access to quality essential health services, and protecting people from health emergencies.

While in Geneva, he is expected to have discussions with Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to discuss health priorities for Antigua and Barbuda and how PAHO can give support.

Ahead of the WHA, Commonwealth Ministers of Health met with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, for discussions.

They are expected to discuss lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to Health System Resilience, Health Security and Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Health Ministers also had the opportunity to share progress on UHC and challenges and priorities to accelerate UHC goals.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph is accompanying Sir Molwyn.