Canada Plays Key Role in Strengthening Global Health

News Release
2010-81
May 18, 2010
For immediate release

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, yesterday stressed Canada's commitment to improving global health security as she addressed health ministers from around the world during the plenary session of the 63rd World Health Assembly.

"Canada recognizes that there are many global health issues that need to be addressed," said Minister Aglukkaq. "We recognize that we live in a global community and that we are interdependent; we need to work together to find solutions and we need to work together to help each other."

The Minister also addressed the H1N1 pandemic and Canada's response, stating, "The spread of the H1N1 pandemic influenza virus since its emergence last spring, served as a reminder that transmission of infections does not respect borders. That's why international collaboration is crucial to ensuring global health security. The flow of information between health officials in affected countries has been unprecedented and enabled a comprehensive response to this outbreak."

In addition, Minister Aglukkaq discussed health issues in the context of Canada's G8 Presidency as well as ongoing Canadian efforts to support Haiti. "The Government of Canada took unprecedented action in responding to the earthquake in Haiti. Going forward, we will continue to play an important role in the humanitarian and long-term response to the crisis in Haiti and actively support the Government of Haiti as it implements its Action Plan."

While participating in the Assembly, Minister Aglukkaq met with Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization, and health ministers, including the United States and Mexico. They discussed a number of public health issues and opportunities for working together in the future.

The World Health Assembly is the main governing body of the World Health Organization, representing over 190 countries.

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