L-R: Peter Sands, Director of the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Lydia Mutsch, Minister of Health; Credit: MSAN

On 21 and 22 May 2018, Luxembourg Minister of Health Lydia Mutsch attended the 71st Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The general theme of this year’s WHA was dedicated to "Health for All", with the aim of ensuring that everyone, wherever they are in the world, has access to quality essential health services, without financial difficulties.

In her speech to the Assembly, the Minister emphasised the ambition of the Grand Duchy to pursue an inclusive health policy, stating: "Improving access to quality care in a timely manner is being discussed with all stakeholders in Luxembourg. This ambition is particularly reflected in the holistic approach applied to our national action plans, developed in recent years in various areas: I would particularly mention the plans for the fight against HIV, hepatitis and antimicrobial resistance.”

Beyond the AMS, Lydia Mutsch also met the new Director of the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Peter Sands. The Director thanked Luxembourg for its long-standing commitment and flexible and reliable financial support. He emphasised the growing need for enhanced and coordinated cooperation in the Sahel region, particularly in the development cooperation partner countries. The national HIV/AIDS situation was also discussed, with particular emphasis on prevention and awareness.

Lydia Mutsch also met with two Directors in charge of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, Mental Health and Substance Abuse. One of the subjects addressed was the misuse of alcohol and the measures for a prevention and care policy adapted to the European context, as part of the preparation of the national action plan in Luxembourg.

Finally, a bilateral meeting with Dr Guerra, Deputy Director of the WHO Director-General for Special Initiatives, was held to discuss the health of migrants and refugees, including the potential role of Luxembourg, with a view to developing the first Global Plan of Action on this subject, which will be submitted for adoption in 2019.