The Union called for faster and more innovative approaches to ending all forms of TB, as well as redoubled efforts to tackle NCDs, foster collaboration in tobacco control and push for a right to health for everyone at the 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva.
At an official side event co-hosted by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and the Department of Health of the Republic of South Africa, a panel discussed the urgent need to accelerate TB R&D. The Union briefed over 100 representatives of delegations attending the event on the need for a healthy drug pipeline, adequate investment, increased collaboration and treatments available to all.
At a side event sponsored by FIRS, of which The Union is a member, and other partners, José Luis Castro, Executive Director, launched the world’s first Global Charter for Lung Health.
In his role as Executive Director of The Union and President of the NCD Alliance, José Luis Castro spoke at a number of events highlighting the global threat to health from NCDs.
Throughout WHA, The Union presented several interventions to the Assembly urging for rapid adoption of WHO guidance to accelerate delivery of new tools for TB, the inclusion of TB in the global AMR response, quality and timely health care for migrants and refugees, and strengthening synergy between the WHA and the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.