PH reaffirms support for WHO
PHILIPPINE Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Evan Garcia has called on World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to reaffirm the continued support of the Philippines to the organization and its work.
Garcia was joined by Deputy Permanent Representative Kristine Salle, First Secretary Jeffrey Valdez, and Attaché Pilar Binuya.
The ambassador and Ghebreyesus exchanged views on the ongoing intergovernmental processes, including the negotiations on a Pandemic Treaty and the amendment of the International Health Regulations in response to COVID-19.
They agreed on the importance of “Equity and WHO centrality” as guiding principles and outcomes of these processes.
“Member States are not equal in terms of capabilities and prospects therefore, they cannot be equal in treatment,” Garcia said.
“We need to ensure that help goes to those who need it the most, and the WHO’s role is crucial in this regard,” he added.
Garcia also handed over the donor agreement for the Philippines’ continuing contribution to the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE), which facilitates immediate on-the-ground aid to help contain health crises before they escalate.
Since 2019, the Philippines has contributed US$132,500 to the fund.
“Your country’s financial contribution has helped the WHO in its work in Ukraine, Syria, Pakistan, and other emergencies,” Dr. Ghebreyesus said.
He added that it is important for developing Member States to demonstrate solidarity by being both donors and beneficiaries of international health cooperation.
Garcia took the opportunity to bid farewell and extend his appreciation to Dr. Ghebreyesus for the excellent working relationship between the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva and the WHO during his tenure.
Garcia’s tour of duty ended on March 28, 2023.
