WHO EB136: Statement on Engagement with Non-State Actors

Statement read on January 27th during the World Health Organization (WHO) 136th Executive Board Meeting.

IFMSA is currently represented at WHO EB136 by a delegation of 4 members: Pedro Miranda (LO-WHO), Agostinho Sousa (President), Claudel P-Desrosiers (VPE) and Ivan Seah (General Delegate).

Agenda Item 5.1 – Framework of engagement with non-State actors

On behalf of the health students around the world, who are represented by the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), the International Veterinary Students’ Association (IVSA) and the International Association of Dental Students (IADS), we want to compliment the secretariat on their efforts and we welcome the proposed framework.

Our organisations expect to continue the increased effort on the collaborative liaison with WHO and to expand it in future years. Not to undermine the established work, we would like to see a reinforcement of youth involvement in this document. The youth is still one of the most important stakeholders to be heard. Encouraging their involvement now, will lead to a more experienced and better prepared population to tackle the health challenges of tomorrow.

We welcome the creation of the WHO Register of Non-State Actors and are eager to see it reach a full functional state. We strongly advise a better structure of the common areas of work, in order to define the possible areas of collaboration between the different NSA.

The four organizations affirm their commitment to continue working with WHO. By providing the largest health youth network we can push forward health development worldwide, through a new generation of health professionals.

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