The Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly (WHA) is held virtually, from 24 May to 1 June 2021, due to COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on – Ending this pandemic, preventing the next: building together a healthier, safer, and fairer world.

State Secretary Prof Dr Ferenc Vicko on behalf of the Republic of Serbia SEE Health Network Presidency mandate addressed WHA 74.

In his statement delivered during the general debate following Director-General’s opening remarks, Prof. Dr Vicko highlighted that the South Eastern Europe Health Network, is for 20 years an excellent platform and unique regional organization to improve the healthcare systems across the SEE Region.

He expressed Serbia’s support to channel all efforts at the Regional level in order to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19, to reduce inequalities and improve the resilience of the health systems.

“SEE Health Network emphasizes the central importance of Universal Health Coverage achievement for everyone and everywhere in the South Eastern Europe Region. Significant contribution to its achievement was the Ministerial Meeting in Tel Aviv in July 2018 under the subject ‘Ensuring Primary health care for ageing population’. The Meeting highlighted the importance of primary health care which is the cornerstone of all health systems by providing people centred-care. The rise of chronic diseases, non-communicable diseases, mental health and multi-morbidity requires strong Primary Health Care that is essential for sustainable and resilient health systems to be able to meet the needs for health security and emergency preparedness.”

Full content of the SEEHN Joint Statement at the Seventy-second Session of the World Health Assembly, Geneva, 20 May 2019