China pledges active role as WHA opens in Geneva

The 79th World Health Assembly, or WHA, is set to open on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together health officials and representatives from around the world to discuss key global health challenges.

At a media briefing held in Geneva on May 17, the Chinese delegation announced that it would actively participate in negotiations and discussions on a wide range of technical issues during the assembly. The delegation is headed by Lei Haichao, Director of China's National Health Commission. Also attending the briefing were Ambassador Jia Guide, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, and Shen Hongbing, head of China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.

The Chinese delegation includes officials from the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China's permanent mission in Geneva, as well as representatives from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

During the assembly, China will take part in roundtable discussions, side events, and consultations on draft resolutions. China will also co-host three themed side events focusing on building fairer and more accessible healthcare systems in the digital era. More than 60 agenda items will be reviewed during this year's assembly.