Statement by India at the 142nd Session of the Executive Board (EB) of the World Health Organization (22nd to 27th January 2018) on Agenda item 3.1: Draft thirteenth general programme of work (2019-2023), delivered by Sh. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. [WHO HQ, Geneva, 23rd January 2018]

Thank You Mr. Chair,

At the outset, India would like to commend the WHO Secretariat for the hard work put into drafting the 13^th GPW.

Mr. Chair,

2. India would like to emphasize on the following points.

We support the proposals in the draft for flexible financing and increased assessed contributions. We believe that the Voluntary contributions should be untied which will help in addressing the current imbalance in which a few donors with significant tied contributions directly or indirectly influence program prioritization in WHO’s work.

On health emergencies, my delegation seeks greater clarity on the extent and kind of support WHO can provide to countries in developing and strengthening their health emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

As regards the numerical target of 3 billion people in terms of the three strategic goals of the organization, my delegation would recommend setting targets in terms of countries and a focus on how many countries have strengthened health systems for ensuring UHC by a predetermined timeline. We understand that draft GPW is still a work in progress.

India appreciates the stress given to WHO’s normative role in the draft. India believes that being the principal global body in the area of health, setting norms and standards and providing direction is the core role of WHO.

Lack of access to medicines and vaccines in the developing countries and LDCs is a major lacuna in the global health architecture. India would like to put on record that a report as important as the one on UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Access to medicines does not get a mention in the draft. It may also be noted that the first world conference on access to medical products and international laws for trade and health was hosted by India, in November last year.

Promoting affordable and cost effective health interventions is central to achievement of UHC with in the mandate of SDG3. Equitable access to essential and high quality medical products depend on their being affordable hence mention of the term ‘Fair Pricing’ in isolation in the GPW draft and DG’s report may be avoided, as it puts focus on profit and not on affordability and access.

There is a need to follow-up on the FENSA process. This is critical as a comprehensive conflict of interest policy covering both institutional and individual interests is yet to be developed.

Mr. Chair,

3. India is fully committed for a holistic implementation of the GPW.

Thank You.