BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 29. Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev, who headed the Azerbaijani delegation, addressed the plenary session at the 77th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, themed "All for Health, Health for All," TurkicWorld reports.
Welcoming the participants of the event, the head of the delegation highlighted that the current global risks facing civilization necessitate close cooperation within the world community to restore unity.
"The emergencies over the past few years have exposed humanity's vulnerability to unforeseen circumstances. To enhance emergency preparedness, a resilient global health infrastructure is essential," he emphasized.
The minister noted that the rapid development of information technologies has enabled the realization of the "Health for All" concept by making medical services more accessible. He pointed out that over the past 20 years, Azerbaijan has significantly strengthened its national healthcare system, constructing or renovating more than 700 medical centers and equipping them with modern medical technology.
"One of the goals of the 2022–2026 Social and Economic Development Strategy of Azerbaijan, approved by President Ilham Aliyev, is to ensure a healthy lifestyle for citizens," Musayev stated.
In his speech, the minister emphasized that 2024 has been declared the "Green World Solidarity Year" in Azerbaijan.
"The order from the head of state highlights that Azerbaijan, as a reliable and responsible member of the international community, contributes to combating the effects of climate change. Azerbaijan has consistently supported the green agenda, and the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in our country in November this year. The unanimous decision to host such a prestigious event in Azerbaijan demonstrates the international community's respect and trust in our nation, as well as recognition of our contributions to environmental protection and climate change prevention at national, regional, and global levels," he added.
The "Health for All" concept holds particular significance in Azerbaijan, especially for ensuring the safe return of former IDPs to their native lands.
"Under the I State Program of the 'Great Return,' the Azerbaijani government is undertaking significant efforts in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of liberated territories. However, the excessive contamination of these lands with mines and explosives hinders resettlement and poses serious challenges to the national health system.
We call on the World Health Organization, as the global coordinating body for health, to continue setting norms and standards to protect the health and well-being of the global population. It is crucial to develop strategic documents that should receive unanimous support from the organization's member countries," the Azerbaijani health minister concluded.
