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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MAY 22^ND, 2016 (PRESS SEC) – Honourable Senator Wendy Phipps, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health et al., is in Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 69^th session of the World Health Assembly from Monday, May 23^rd to Saturday, May 28^th.

The World Health Assembly (WHA), which is attended annually by ministers of health, heads of state and civil society leaders, takes place at the United Nations’ Palace of Nations.  The WHA is the supreme governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO).  This year’s theme is “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

During the World Health Assembly, delegations representing the WHO’s 194 member states agree upon formal resolutions that are to guide the work of the World Health Organization.  Essentially, they set health priorities and policies for the entire world.  Each member state of the World Health Organization gets one vote in the Health Assembly.

All countries that are members of the United Nations become members of the World Health Organization upon accepting its Constitution.  St. Kitts and Nevis became a member of the UN on September 23^rd, 1983 and the country accepted the WHO’s Constitution on December 3^rd, 1984.

Senator Phipps is scheduled to participate in a number of events focused on key global health issues during the sidelines of the 69^th World Health Assembly.  One such side event is the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting, which will be held today, May 22^nd, under the theme “Health Security and Access to Universal Health Coverage.”

This week, the Minister of State will share the experiences of St. Kitts and Nevis with her international counterparts and learn about healthcare initiatives being implemented in other countries.