The 72nd annual World Health Assembly ended at Geneva a day back.Over the past 9 days, WHO Member States adopted a new global strategy on health, environment and climate change and committedto invest in safe water, sanitation and hygiene services in health facilities. Countries adopted a landmark agreement to enhance the transparency of pricing for medicines, vaccines and other health products. The new WHO programme budget was approved anda common approach to antimicrobial resistance was agreed.

 

Patient safety was recognized as a global health priority and the 11th Edition of the International Classification of Diseases was adopted. Countries agreed three resolutions on universal health coverage with a focus on primary healthcare, the role of community health workers and the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage in New York in September 2019.

 

“I cannot emphasise strongly enough what a decisive moment for public health the High-Level Meeting could be. A strong declaration, with strong political support, could transform the lives of billions of people, in realizing what we have always advocated for – health for all,”saidDr TedrosAdhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, at the closing speechfor the World Health Assembly 72.

 

ICD-11:classifying disease to map the way we live and die

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) has defined the universe of diseases, disorders, injuries and other related health conditions.

 

The World Health Assembly 72 agreed to adopt the11th revision of the ICD, to come into effect on 1 January 2022.ICD-11 has been updated for the 21st century and reflects critical advances in science and medicine.For the first time, WHO is classifying gaming disorder as an addictive behaviour disorder. Among other ICD-11 decisions are the inclusion of traditional Chinese medicine and removal of gender incongruenceout of mental disorders in the ICD, into sexual health conditions.

The new WHO programme budget was approved and a common approach to antimicrobial resistance was agreed.