President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has warmly welcomed the historic election of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa as President of the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland. This landmark achievement is seen as a significant opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its unwavering commitment to global health.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated on Thursday that President Marcos views Secretary Herbosa’s election to preside over the world health body as a profound recognition of the Philippines’ dedicated advocacy in international health issues.
Furthermore, the President regarded the election of the Philippine health chief as a tribute to the heroic contributions of Filipino healthcare workers worldwide, particularly their pivotal role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Marcos emphasized that the WHA presidency offers a unique platform for the Philippines to demonstrate its dedication to providing quality healthcare. “This WHA presidency also presents an opportunity for the Philippines to show the world the value it places on health. The country’s policies are also aligned with the proposed solutions to resolve global health issues,” Undersecretary Castro conveyed, quoting President Marcos.
Secretary Herbosa is the first Philippine health official to be elected to the WHA, the principal decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Secretary Herbosa is currently presiding over the 78th WHA session, which runs from May 19 to May 27. During this crucial period, delegates from the 194 member-states of the WHO have adopted the landmark Pandemic Agreement, a culmination of three years of intensive negotiations.
