As reported, the 77th session of the World Health Assembly on the theme "Health for All, All for Health" is being held in Geneva. At the plenary session of the Health Assembly, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation, Minister of Health Teymur Musayev, delivered a speech.

Welcoming the event participants, the head of the delegation noted that the recent global threats humanity has faced compel us to work closely together to restore a fragmented world: "The extraordinary events of the past few years have exposed the vulnerability of human civilization to unexpected situations. A sustainable global health infrastructure is required for better preparedness for emergencies."

According to the minister, the rapid development of information technologies has facilitated the realization of the "Health for All" aspiration through the accessibility of medical services. It was emphasized that significant efforts have been made in Azerbaijan over the past 20 years to expand the national healthcare system. Over 700 medical facilities have been built and thoroughly renovated, and equipped with modern medical equipment: "One of the goals of the 'Azerbaijan's Social and Economic Development Strategy for 2022-2026,' approved by President Ilham Aliyev's corresponding decree, is to ensure a healthy lifestyle for citizens."

The minister particularly emphasized that 2024 has been declared the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" in Azerbaijan: "The president's decree notes that as a reliable and responsible member of the international community, the Republic of Azerbaijan contributes to the fight against the consequences of climate change. Azerbaijan has always been committed to the 'green' agenda and plans to host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change this November."

"The unanimous decision to hold such a prestigious event in Azerbaijan is a clear example of the international community's great respect and trust in Azerbaijan, as well as recognition of our country's contribution to environmental protection and climate change mitigation at the national, regional, and global levels," said Teymur Musayev.

It was highlighted that the concept of "Health for All" in Azerbaijan is of special significance in ensuring the safe return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands. As part of the "Great Return" program, the government of Azerbaijan is undertaking significant efforts to restore and reconstruct the liberated territories: "The excessive contamination of these formerly occupied lands with mines and explosives poses obstacles to the resettlement process. This is a serious challenge for the national healthcare system."

"As the global coordinating organization for health, we call on the World Health Organization to establish norms and standards to protect the health and well-being of the world's population. It is time to develop strategic documents for the 'Health for All' concept and for the organization's member countries to unanimously support them," concluded the Minister of Health of Azerbaijan.