The inaugural ceremony of the 79th World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) is being held today (18) in Geneva, Switzerland. The Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is scheduled to officially open the assembly, which is attended by a delegation including Health Ministers and diplomats from 194 member states.

The theme of this year’s assembly is “One World for Health.” Under this theme, extensive discussions will be held on global health challenges, pandemic preparedness, and universal health coverage.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa is participating in this year’s assembly in his capacity as the Chairperson of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee and as the Minister of Health for Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to address the assembly today.

A group of senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, are also attending this year’s assembly.