Georgian Health Minister expresses “full solidarity” with Ukraine at World Health Assembly in Geneva
“With the support of international partners, Georgia has successfully overcome the challenges of the recent pandemic. The Government has made substantial investments in strengthening health systems and building capacity for the healthcare workforce in emergency response,” Azarashvili said. Photo: Georgian Health Ministry
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Georgia expresses “full solidarity” with Ukraine and is “gravely concerned” over the ongoing health emergency in the country caused by the continuing hostilities, Zurab Azarashvili, the Georgian Health Minister, said at the 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva, the Ministry announced on Wednesday.
The official further reiterated his country’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Azarashvili welcomed the consolidated report presented by World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the event, and reiterated the latter’s words that “there cannot be health without peace and there cannot be peace without health.”
During his speech, the Georgian official also elaborated on his Government’s healthcare policy, noting it remained “strongly committed” to achieving universal coverage with essential services and access to “high-quality lifesaving drugs for the entire population”.
With the support of international partners, Georgia has successfully overcome the challenges of the recent pandemic. The Government has made substantial investments in strengthening health systems and building capacity for the healthcare workforce in emergency response,” Azarashvili said.
He also spoke of the National Health Strategy, pointing out it intended to “further strengthen” primary care services by building the capacity of nurses and introducing telemedicine in remote facilities.
The country’s “substantial progress” in reducing the burden of tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis C was also pointed out by the Minister, who added the Georgian health agencies had been “actively disseminating” these experiences to other countries in the region.
Azarashvili also attended the opening of the 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 22, the theme of which is Health for Peace, Peace for Health.
On the sidelines of the event, the Georgian official also met with Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, and thanked him for assistance rendered to Georgia by the organisation, while highlighting the international body was an “important partner” for Georgia.