Senior Minister of State for Health to Attend the 67th World Health Assembly, 18 to 21 May 2014

Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Health Dr Amy Khor will attend the 67th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, from 18 to 21 May 2014.

2. The WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is attended by Health Ministers and delegations from 194 WHO Member States. The 67th WHA will discuss important public health issues such as the link between climate and health, pandemic influenza preparedness and emerging infectious diseases like the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, universal health coverage and health-security related issues such as the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005).

3. SMS Khor will deliver a plenary statement on the WHA theme, “Link between Climate and Health”, on 19 May 2014. In her speech, she will outline Singapore’s approach to mitigating risks posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events (e.g. prolonged dry spells), transboundary haze, and underscore Singapore’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

4. SMS Khor will also travel to The Netherlands from 21 to 23 May 2014 to study the Dutch healthcare system. Her visits will focus on the Dutch experience in running its healthcare and long-term care insurance schemes.

5. SMS Khor will be accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Health.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

17 MAY 2014