NGOs' News Centre covering the participation of the NGOs during the 56th World Health Assembly www.wha56.org

"What is our Key mission? I see WHO's role as being the moral voice and the technical leader in improving health of the people of the world. Ready and able to give advice on the key issues that can unleash development and alleviate suffering. I see our purpose to be combating disease and ill-health - promoting sustainable and equitable health systems in all countries".
Dr Bruntland , the Director General at the WHA 1998.

When and Where?

The 56th World Health Assembly (WHA) will take place from 19-28 May 2003 at the Palais des Nations, 8-14 Avenue de la Paix, Geneva, Switzerland.

What is the function of the WHA?

The WHA is the annual meeting of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) 192 Member States. The World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body for WHO. It generally meets in Geneva in May each year, and is attended by delegations from all 192 Member States. Its main function is to determine the policies of the Organization. The Health Assembly appoints the Director-General, supervises the financial policies of the Organization, and reviews and approves the proposed programme budget. It similarly considers reports of the Executive Board, which it instructs in regard to matters upon which further action, study, investigation or report may be required.

Some of the key issues this year.

Highlights of this year's WHA include the appointment of a new WHO Director-General, and the possible adoption of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, WHO's first global treaty. WHO is scheduling a series of daily media briefings on key global public health issues throughout the WHA, including the latest on SARS and emerging global epidemics, tobacco control, the post-conflict health challenges in Iraq and violence prevention.

Journal of the WHO 56th Assembly, issued on 15 April 2003. Please download it from HERE
Information in this preliminary number of the Journal is provided on:
I. Date and place
II. Tentative programme of work of the Health Assembly
III. Technical briefings
IV. Other meetings

The Agenda for the NGO Briefing , Download it from HERE

NGO meetings during the WHA , Download it from HERE

Meetings or Events of specific interest for NGOs

• Tuesday, 27 May 2003, 09:00, Eighth meeting of Committee B : Policy for relations with nongovernmental organizations
• Wednesday, 21 May 2003, 17:30–19:00, Room XXIV, Briefing for delegates and nongovernmental organizations of the Coordination of Macroeconomics and Health Support Unit (CMH)
• Wednesday, 21 May 2003, 17:30–19:30, Room IX, National capacity building for health promotion: cooperation and partnership among governments, WHO and NGOs in overcoming risks to health

Scheduled Press Briefings and other information for Media
Please download the "Note for the Press WHA.56/1" issued on the 8 May 2003

NGO Forum for Health, Tentative programme during the WHA 2003, Download it from HERE
Additional NGO Events, Please Download

Special leaflet for Wednesday's panel discussion on Spirituality., Please download
May 21, 2003, Wednesday, 13:00 - 14:30, NGO Lounge, Palais des Nations.

The People's Health Movement, Events, on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, Download the Program from HERE, and the poster from HERE

Panel discussion / brainstorming during the WHA : Together with the NGO Forum for Health, the Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns organises this panel on Wednesday 21, 2003 , Download the Flyer