World Health Assembly: creating a supportive environment for health (Editorial)

The Health Assembly agreed some key reforms for the Organization. The most important for our region was the agreement on a new health emergency programme. This will change the way WHO provides support to countries during outbreaks and emergencies to ensure faster, more efficient and more effective response. It will also provide much needed support for preparedness, strengthening the capacity of first responders in countries and in WHO country offices. The changes are the result of intensive discussions among and with Member States over the past 18 months and in light of the report of the Review Committee on the Role of the International Health Regulations in the Ebola Outbreak and Response (Ref A/6921).