The Minister of Health of the Slovak Republic Michal Palkovič attended the 76th session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva. As part of his work trip, he gave a speech in plenary aimed at establishing closer international cooperation in the context of the consequences of the pandemic, as well as Russian aggression in Ukraine. He also recalled the importance of scientific and technical cooperation between countries, as well as the partnership with WHO, on the basis of which health data will be analysed in Slovakia to improve their management.
On Monday 22 May Slovakia, with high-level representatives from Argentina, Egypt, Georgia, Lebanon, Northern Macedonia, co-organised an accompanying event on the availability of cancer treatment and better data for setting up effective policies in countries. This is a subject which is the backbone of the ongoing membership of the WHO Management Board for Slovakia.
I consider it crucial that each country, regardless of its size and location, becomes truly responsible for early diagnosis, treatment and cancer prevention, which includes immunisation, nutrition, a healthier environment or lifestyle. This event is an ideal platform to look together for the most effective practices in the management of cancer patients. spoke to the present Minister Palkovič.
The situation in Ukraine and the sharing of experience in the management of Ukrainian displaced persons have been discussed in more detail by delegates as part of the accompanying event at the seat of the Permanent Mission of Poland to the United Nations (UN). Subsequently, the Minister also met the Minister of Health of Poland, Adam Niedzielski, as well as the Director-General for Health and Welfare of Sweden, Olivia Wigzell, with whom he discussed the development of cooperation on standard procedures and patient safety. He also met the president of the World Health Assembly, Christopher Fearn, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and the Minister for Health.
The data sharing within the Ukrainian refugees' stay was also the subject of an interview between Minister Palkovič and Deputy for legislation and law of the Czech Ministry of Health Radko Policar. Partners also discussed the subject of drug procurement, re-export and cross-border cooperation in emergency services.
On Tuesday morning, Minister Michal Palkovič spoke at a plenary session in the Palace of Nations. Aware of the importance of timely information sharing, Slovakia supports scientific and professional cooperation between states and actors within WHO as well as piloted efforts to peer review national data and systems, said Palkovič.
Events such as the World Health Assembly also open up opportunities for smaller countries in the world to talk about problematic and critical topics with countries that can offer often unique and long-term experience proven practical solutions. The establishment of high-level contacts is a way to find solutions for unexpected events in the future more effectively and more specifically, as well as for demanding above-ministerial topics.
