Latest news with #78thWorldHealthAssembly
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
Gender Equality And Human Rights Are Indivisible, Foundational And Unconditional
"When human rights are treated like an 'à la carte menu' by governments, and not what they truly are - indivisible, foundational and unconditional... we move fast into dystopia," said Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Right To Health. "We saw during COVID-19 lockdown time that people who were from the most marginalised groups, were furthest pushed behind. These included: peoples from gender diverse communities, women in all diversities, women in sex work, women who use drugs, or young girls, for whom there was hardly any access to care, support and services. Gender-based violence was being more reported during the pandemic. We have learnt the harder way that how we want to ensure marginalised people are included in strengthening the health systems and making them resilient in gender-transformative manner," said Dr Harjyot Khosa, Regional External Relations Director, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and member of Civil Society Engagement Mechanism for UHC 2030. "We need to engage marginalised communities in all their diversities to adapt and redesign health systems to better protect them within the framework of universal health coverage," Dr Khosa added. She was speaking at a special Side Event alongside 78th World Health Assembly organised by Global Centre for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Planned Parenthood Federation, Fos Feminista, CNS, and partners. Are health systems designed for gender diverse peoples? Dr Harjyot Khosa reminded that health systems are defined and designed for heterosexual married people, like 'good couples' as per the harmful social norms rooted in patriarchy. 'So, perception and level of stigma and misogyny within healthcare systems is what we all grapple with every day. Sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice has to be the first push to deliver on UHC at all levels,' she said. "Just because of the colour of your skin, people become a victim of sexual assault. When they go the police, they are turned away because they are 'not citizens of the country.' Or a woman is denied mental healthcare because of language barriers. These are the realities I face daily in Dominican Republic,' said Dr Eliezer Lappots-Abreu, Executive Director, Health Horizons International, Dominican Republic. "Although we live in Dominican Republic where health access and universal health coverage is part of the norm, but it is not accessible for everybody because it excludes women of colour and immigrants. One of my patients, a Haitian woman, was diagnosed with cervical cancer but when we connected her to services to treat her cancer, she was turned away because of the language barrier. When we arranged a translator for her, we were told that they can understand her but unable to serve her without documentation. Patient wondered if her options was to get palliative care or just die in the house,' he added. UHC is not about coverage alone but Universal Health Care 'It is not accidental that 'C' in 'UHC' (Universal Health Coverage) stands for 'coverage' in the official language but it should be about Care – Universal Health Care. No wonder due to governments focussing on UHC, or coverage, we see increasing space for 'health insurance.' Universal Health Care (and not Universal Health Coverage) better links us with the spirit of Alma Mata Declaration of 1978 (which heralded WHO led call to deliver on Health For All),' said Baba Aye, Health and Social Services Officer, Public Services International (PSI), who earlier worked for two decades in the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria. "We cannot talk of universal health care without health workers for all," said Baba Aye of PSI. He said that when 13% of maternal mortality are from unsafe abortions, and two-thirds of healthcare workers are women themselves, imagine the struggle in countries where abortion is criminalised. Connect the dots: Leprosy, gender justice, human rights, and SDGs Leprosy (also known as Hansen's disease), once feared as an incurable disease, is now treatable with modern medicine. When diagnosed early and accurately, and treated early with right medicines, it is not disabling too. But leprosy-related stigma and discrimination continues to cause havoc in lives of people affected with leprosy and blocks access to care even today. But only when we put leprosy under gender lens, we get to see the alarming inter-sectional stigma and discrimination that impacts women with leprosy. 'Women with leprosy face unique and often invisible struggles. At home, they are often unable to express their problems, even to other women. This is not the case for men. In family matters, whether it is making decisions or purchasing essentials, women are frequently excluded. Gender discrimination plays a major role here,' said Maya Ranavare, President of Association of People Affected by Leprosy. 'Women with leprosy receive lower wages than men for the same work, which is a clear example of gender inequality. These issues are compounded by the stigma of leprosy. But perhaps the most serious impact is in the area of healthcare. Women with leprosy often suffer in silence. Social stigma, economic dependence, and a lack of agency prevent them from seeking timely medical help or sharing their experiences. This intersection of gender and disease requires urgent attention. If we want to truly support people affected by leprosy, we must also address the gender-based injustices they face every day,' she added. 'We need to ensure people living with HIV are covered under UHC (under Indian government's health insurance). Although government of India has done a commendable job in ensuring people living with HIV receive lifesaving antiretroviral therapy and support at government-run healthcare facilities across the country, there are other healthcare needs too which people face - and often have to pay. Out-of-pocket expenses often become catastrophic costs for people with HIV, especially women who face inter-sectional stigma and discrimination at all levels,' said Daxa Patel, co-founder and former President of National Coalition of People Living with HIV in India (NCPI Plus) and leader of Gujarat State Network of People living with HIV (GSNP Plus). Gender inequality and violation of rights exacerbate during conflicts and humanitarian crises Parwen Hussaini of Afghanistan is at risk of her life along with her lesbian lover Maryam (Maryam is under arrest). Parwen was born in Gazhni province of Afghanistan and identifies as a lesbian and Afghan. She narrowly escaped persecution and arrest by the Taliban on 20th March 2025 and she is now in Iran. Parwen and her lover were engaged to get married when they tried to escape. Her lover (Maryam) is being tortured and imprisoned by the Taliban and in prison for over one and a half months (as on 10 May 2025). Nemat Sadat, CEO of 'Roshaniya' (an advocacy network dedicated to assisting LGBTQI+ Afghans) and one of the first Afghans to have openly come out as gay person and to campaign for rights, gender freedom and liberty, said: 'We have a list of over 1,000 LGBTQI+ peoples who still remain in Afghanistan. To this date, we have supported the safe evacuation of 265 people to different countries and we hope that Parwen will also get to a safe place.' 'The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has disempowered a lot of excluded and marginalised peoples including women, LGBTQI+, people living with HIV, persons with disabilities, sex workers, among others. So, when it comes to gender justice the issue of gender-based violence becomes central. There is physical violence, domestic violence, and sexual harassment and sexual abuse. They are raping women rampantly. Due to the conflict there is also increased risk for the displacement of women and girls in South Sudan (which puts them at greater risk of violence). There is also limited access to justice and support for young women, women with disability, and people with HIV because of their condition,' said Rachel Adau, Executive Director of the Women's Empowerment Centre South Sudan. Let us hope that at the upcoming UN intergovernmental High Level Political Forum where UN Sustainable Development Goals for health (SDG3) and gender equality (SDG5) are under review, governments commit to get on track to deliver on all SDG goals and targets. We cannot 'pick and choose' rather deliver on all SDGs. Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service) (Shobha Shukla is the award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service) and is a feminist, health and development justice advocate. She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College and current Coordinator of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024). She also coordinates SHE & Rights initiative (Sexual health with equity & rights). Follow her on Twitter @shobha1shukla or read her writings here
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WISH hosts panel at Osaka expo to address attacks on health in armed conflict
OSAKA: The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a Qatar Foundation's (QF) global healthcare initiative, discussed the escalating attacks on health amid armed conflict around the world, during a panel session held at the Qatar Pavilion in the Expo 2025 Osaka. Titled 'Protecting Health in Armed Conflict', the panel brought together representatives from Medecins Sans Frontieres, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). The panel built on WISH's ongoing efforts to raise global awareness of attacks on health, following a recent official side event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva and the release of a joint report on the issue by WISH and WHO. The discussion at the Osaka Expo is part of a broader WISH strategy to foster a coalition of organizations and experts committed to protecting health workers and facilities in conflict zones. Speaking during the panel, CEO of WISH Dr Slim Slama said: "An attack on healthcare is an attack on the very foundation of humanity. Each strike not only destroys hospitals and endangers health workers, but also robs entire communities of safety, dignity, and hope. Protecting medical care in conflict is a legal and moral obligation - when we fail to act, we allow suffering to multiply and justice to fade." Alongside Dr Slama, panelists included Medecins Sans Frontieres Advocacy Director Chika Suefuji; former WHO EMRO Regional Emergency Director Dr Rick Brennan; UNRWA Medical Director Dr Akihiro Seita, and International Committee of the Red Cross Head of Communications Hitomi Makabe. The discussion was moderated by WISH Director of Partnerships and Outreach Dr. Sunoor Verma. In turn, UNRWA Medical Director DrAkihiro Seita emphasized the importance of safeguarding healthcare workers and facilities in conflict zones: "As a Japanese physician working with UNRWA in Gaza, I have witnessed health workers serve amid unimaginable danger. Their courage is a daily reminder that protecting healthcare is not only about medicine â€' it is about defending dignity, humanity, and hope. From Gaza to Osaka, we are united by a shared responsibility to stand against the erosion of these values." Wrapping up the session, Dr Slama said: "Today's panel under the roof of Qatar Pavilion is a critical step in uniting the global health and humanitarian community to advocate for the protection of health in times of war. We call on all stakeholders to join this coalition and uphold international humanitarian law."
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Call to protect health workers, facilities in armed conflict at QF's WISH panel session at Osaka Expo
Tribune News Network Osaka, Japan Leading voices in global healthcare have spotlighted the escalating attacks on health amid armed conflict around the world at the Osaka Expo, during a panel session hosted by Qatar Foundation's World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). Held at the event's Qatar Pavilion, the panel, titled 'Protecting Health in Armed Conflict', brought together representatives from Médecins Sans Frontières, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNRWA, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) – Qatar Foundation's (QF) global healthcare initiative. The panel built on WISH's ongoing efforts to raise global awareness of attacks on health, following a recent official side event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva and the release of a joint report on the issue by WISH and WHO. The discussion at the Osaka Expo is part of a broader WISH strategy to foster a coalition of organisations and experts committed to protecting health workers and facilities in conflict zones. Speaking during the panel, Dr. Slim Slama, CEO of WISH, said: 'An attack on healthcare facility is an attack on the very foundation of humanity. Each strike not only destroys hospitals and endangers health workers, but also robs entire communities of safety, dignity, and hope. Protecting medical care in conflict is a legal and moral obligation – when we fail to act, we allow suffering to multiply and justice to fade.' Other panellists alongside Dr. Slama included Chika Suefuji, advocacy director, Médecins Sans Frontières; Dr. Rick Brennan, former WHO EMRO Regional Emergency director; Dr. Akihiro Seita, medical director, UNRWA, and Hitomi Makabe, head of Communications, International Committee of the Red discussion was moderated by Dr. Sunoor Verma, director of Partnerships and Outreach, WISH. Dr. Akihiro Seita emphasised the importance of safeguarding healthcare workers and facilities in conflict zones. 'As a Japanese physician working with UNRWA in Gaza, I have witnessed health workers serve amid unimaginable danger. Their courage is a daily reminder that protecting healthcare is not only about medicine – it is about defending dignity, humanity, and hope. From Gaza to Osaka, we are united by a shared responsibility to stand against the erosion of these values.' Speaking about the purpose of the WISH-led Osaka Expo session, Dr. Slama said, 'Today's panel under the roof of Qatar Pavilion is a critical step in uniting the global health and humanitarian community to advocate for the protection of health in times of war. We call on all stakeholders to join this coalition and uphold international humanitarian law.'
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
WHO: Malaysia deserves award for tobacco control efforts
A file picture of Dzulkefly receiving the award from WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva, Switzerland on May 20, 2025. – WHO/Pierre Albouy DUBLIN: The World Health Organization (WHO) has "no doubt" that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad will safeguard the public health of Malaysians. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Secretariat senior lawyer Kate Lannan said the minister, who was among the recipients of a prestigious WHO award last month, had been "carefully vetted and clearly researched" before being acknowledged for his contributions. "The award is an important recognition of the progress Malaysia (has achieved in tobacco control). "The recipients have done a great job. And, there is no doubt in our minds that the minister will protect public heath in Malaysia. We have every confidence in that," she said when asked to comment on Malaysia issuing a nicotine manufacturing licence to a company after three Health Ministry officials were acknowledged by the global body recently. Lannan was speaking during a press conference at the World Conference on Tobacco Control on Tuesday (June 24). At the opening session of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on May 19, three Malaysians – Dr Dzulkefly, the Health Ministry's Disease Control Division deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) president Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, were honoured with the WHO World No Tobacco Day Award, making it a first for the country. Three days later on May 22, a Nasdaq-listed vape company based in California, the United States, revealed that it had received the "first and only nicotine manufacturing license" from the government that allows it to begin manufacturing nicotine products in Malaysia immediately, causing the ministry to come under fire. Lannan said it is not the role of the Secretariat to take a party to task for elements not specifically covered in the FCTC. "But what this indicates to me is that this is an example of interference by the industry in public health. The Health Minister may not have known about this as there are other ministers involved," she said. On June 2, the ministry said the issuance of interim licence was under the purview of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. And, while the import, manufacture and distribution of e-cigarette liquids are legal, it will be strictly regulated under the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024. "Any decision related to the import, manufacture and distribution of e-cigarette liquids are made collectively by the relevant government agencies. "The Health Ministry (however) is committed to ensuring maximum enforcement and monitoring to protect the health and safety of the public," it said in a press release.
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
A turning point for skin health: what the WHA's landmark resolution on skin diseases means for the world
On May 24, 2025, something unprecedented happened: for the first time in history, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted a resolution titled 'Skin diseases as a global public health priority' . This long-overdue resolution marks a significant shift in how the world understands skin health, not only as a cosmetic issue, but as a core component of global public health, social equity, and human dignity. How this resolution came about The road to this resolution was paved through years of advocacy, cross-sector partnerships, and irrefutable data. Despite affecting an estimated 1.9 billion people worldwide, skin diseases have remained chronically underfunded and neglected, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This landmark resolution, jointly sponsored by Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo, and Micronesia, and others, supported by the International League of Dermatologic Societies (ILDS), the world's largest alliance of dermatology organizations marks a pivotal moment in recognising skin diseases as a global public health priority. It reflects a growing global recognition that skin health is central to the well-being and dignity of populations across every region. Voices from the global south The urgency of this resolution is especially pronounced in low-resource settings where dermatologic care is inaccessible and stigma remains high. Folakemi Cole-Adeife, consultant physician and dermatologist at LASUTH (Lagos State University Teaching Hospital), Nigeria, underscores the significance of this moment. 'This historic step will be positively pivotal for skin healthcare worldwide,' she says. 'Skin diseases, though often overlooked, carry immense morbidity, stigma, and socioeconomic burden, particularly in LMICs (low and middle income countries).' Drawing from her public health experience, Dr. Cole-Adeife emphasises, 'This resolution opens the door for greater attention to skin health in national health agendas, better funding for dermatologic services, capacity-building for healthcare workers, and integration of skin health into primary care. It is a call to action for governments, global health partners, and all of us in the skin health space to treat skin not as superficial, but as fundamental to well-being.' She adds that the ripple effect of this resolution must extend globally. 'It compels us to ask why so many common skin conditions still go untreated, why dermatology training remains limited in frontline health systems, and why stigma persists, particularly for diseases visible on darker skin tones. In countries such as India and Africa, where the burden of pigmentary disorders, fungal infections, and neglected skin diseases is immense, this resolution is an opportunity to push for better access, culturally competent care, and research that reflects diverse skin types. It's time we reframed skin health as a public health issue, one that is both urgent and universal.' The regional reality: South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East The significance of this resolution is being deeply felt across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa - regions represented by Rashmi Sarkar, Regional Director of the ILDS. She is one of the leading voices in pigmentary disorders and global dermatology policy. She explains that historically, healthcare funding has traditionally prioritised chronic diseases of internal organs, often overlooking skin health, despite its significant physical, psychological, and economic impact. 'Skin diseases are deeply tied to a person's self-esteem and financial opportunities,' Dr. Sarkar notes. 'Stigma around visible conditions including vitiligo, psoriasis, or chronic infections leads to exclusion not just from medical care, but from employment and society itself.' She sees the resolution as a pivotal tool to correct these disparities. 'We're calling on all stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, medical institutions, and patient support groups to come together. We need funding for research, national registries to map disease burden, and the integration of skin health into primary care teaching and services.' What are the pressing challenges? In the regions Dr. Sarkar represents, chronic inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis coexist with neglected skin diseases such as leprosy and scabies - many of which are still misunderstood and stigmatised. 'This resolution creates an opportunity to fund medicines, include dermatologic care under insurance, and build public health programmes that recognise skin as central to quality of life,' she says. She also stresses the importance of ongoing advocacy. 'In India and other LMICs, we must publicise this resolution, observe disease-specific awareness days, and engage Ministries of health, NGOs, and local networks. That's how we build momentum.' What might change? This resolution unlocks a range of potential shifts in health policy and funding. It paves the way for the integration of skin disease care into primary health systems, more inclusive research funding particularly for conditions affecting skin of colour and neglected tropical diseases, and improved access to dermatologic medications, including coverage under public insurance schemes. It also supports the development of national registries to track the burden of skin diseases and prioritises capacity-building among frontline healthcare providers. Crucially, it fosters efforts to reduce stigma and expand patient support systems. As Dr. Sarkar emphasises, 'It could transform dermatologic training and infrastructure in under-resourced settings, while also dismantling the shame that so often accompanies visible skin conditions.' For India, the WHO resolution arrives at a crucial time. With one of the highest dermatologic disease burdens globally from chronic inflammatory conditions to fungal infections and pigmentary disorders, India stands to benefit immensely from global recognition and domestic reform. This is a chance to integrate skin care into public health infrastructure, strengthen research on skin of colour, expand dermatology training at the primary care level, and advocate for insurance inclusion for conditions that affect not just skin but lives. As Dr. Sarkar puts it, 'This is our moment to reshape how skin diseases are understood, prioritised, and treated.' A milestone, not a finish line This resolution is not the final word, it is the beginning of a long-overdue conversation. It validates the lived reality of billions, and provides a framework for governments, clinicians, and communities to take action. Because skin health is not superficial. It is visible, vulnerable, and vital. And finally, it is being seen. (Dr. Monisha Madhumita is a consultant dermatologist at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai.
