<h6><strong>Julio García</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) Europe approved on October 30, at its annual meeting in Copenhagen, the incorporation of the Minister of Health, Mónica García, as a representative on the WHO Executive Committee. This appointment was not announced at the time out of respect for the situation that was being experienced in the areas affected by the DANA.</strong></h4> In a press release, the Ministry of Health highlights this Thursday that, for the first time since 2005, Spain is part of the Executive Committee of the WHO, the body responsible for the governance of this international organization. “This election represents a recognition of Spain's work in the field of public health and will allow it to actively participate in decision-making at a global level,” stresses Health. For her part, Mónica García has stated that, “with our presence, we want to promote at a global level what we are already working on from the ministry: primary care as the heart of health systems, caring for professionals, highlighting the importance of climate change for health, promoting gender equity in health and working against childhood obesity through sport, healthy eating and the social determinants of health.” The WHO Executive Board is made up of 34 technically qualified members in the field of health. Its members are elected for a three-year term. The Board holds two annual meetings. The first, larger one, takes place in January. The agenda of the Health Assembly is set and resolutions are voted on, which will later be presented to the Assembly. The second meeting, which is shorter and of an administrative nature, is held in May, immediately after the Health Assembly. The main function of the Executive Board is to implement the decisions and policies established by the Health Assembly, as well as serving as an advisory body and facilitating its work. The World Health Assembly is the most important decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). Its main function is to establish public health policies at a global level, which includes defining priorities, guiding strategies and approving work programs. This assembly meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland, with the participation of delegations from all WHO Member States. During the meetings, crucial issues for global health are discussed and decisions are made that impact the lives of millions of people. Their responsibilities include the appointment of the WHO Director-General, oversight of the organization's finances and approval of the budget that allows for the implementation of public health programs and projects.
