India attends World Health Assembly

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). India was represented by Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan at the World Health Assembly.

Apart from COVID-19, the World Health Assembly addressed Global Vaccine Plan, polio eradication and neglected tropical diseases.

China and COVID-19

• Around 120 countries backed the resolution to conduct investigation on China over the origin of COVID-19.
• The name was China was not brought up. 
• Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison initiated the investigation on COVID-19. China opposed the investigation.

India to hold the Chair

• Also, India is expected to be elected as the chair of the Executive Board of the World Health Assembly. Japan is to be replaced by India.

International Health Regulation Committee

• The member countries have agreed to work in close collaboration with the World Organization for Animal Health and also with the Food and Agriculture Organization. 
• The committee will work on the transmission routes of the virus to find out the possible host. 
• The committee will also look for solutions that will help prevent such pandemic outbreaks in the future.

India at the Assembly

• Union Heath Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan representing India listed out various measures being taken by India to fight against COVID-19.

World Health Assembly

• The World Health Assembly is the highest health policy setting body in the world. 
• It is mainly composed of health ministers. 
• The members of the assembly meet every year in Geneva during the month of May.
• The World Health Assembly approves works of World Health Organization and also budgets and elects its Director General.