Canadian statement to the World Health Assembly delivered by the Honourable Tony Clement

May 23, 2006

Mr. President, distinguished delegates,

Canada extends its sincere condolences to Dr. Lee's family and to his many friends and colleagues in the Secretariat. Canada will work with all member states to honour his memory by carrying forward the important work he was leading as Director-General. His very practical and conciliatory approach to difficult issues should guide us all as we work to improve world health.

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

Let me begin by speaking of the threat of human pandemic influenza.

The threat of an influenza pandemic is ongoing. Outbreaks of H5N1 in birds have now been found in over 40 countries. The longer this virus is in contact with people, the greater the chance of a human pandemic.

The next influenza pandemic will require global collaboration and a global response – from every sector of society: health, manufacturing, financial, transportation, infrastructure, and beyond.

To counter this threat, four priorities are particularly urgent: controlling H5N1 at its source in animals; improving early warning and surveillance systems in countries; strengthening international rapid response capabilities; and increasing antiviral and vaccine research and production.

Canada has been fortunate to be among the first countries to develop a comprehensive Pandemic Influenza Plan. This plan is constantly updated and reviewed to keep it current with the latest science and information.

The cornerstone of Canada's response to pandemic influenza is our vaccine strategy. Canada was among the first countries in the world to sign a contract with a manufacturer to ensure domestic capacity to produce a vaccine. We are aiming to ensure that Canada has the capacity to produce safe and effective vaccines for all Canadians as quickly as possible.

We understand that as a country with a robust health system, we have a responsibility to offer our assistance to countries in regions where capacity is limited. For this reason, we have launched the Canada-Asia Regional Emerging Infectious Disease initiative to help improve diagnostic and health infrastructure capacity in Southeast Asia.

To date, Canada has provided approximately $42 million toward international efforts on avian and human influenza pandemic preparedness, so that we can all be ready should an outbreak occur.

Canada strongly supports the WHO's pivotal role in coordinating efforts to strengthen global pandemic influenza preparedness and response.

The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network is a particularly important tool for responding to emerging and re-emerging diseases. Canada will continue to support GOARN, and to contribute to its strengthening for the benefit of all.

Mr. President,

At this time last year, the World Health Assembly adopted the International Health Regulations. The Regulations are critical for identifying and responding to public health emergencies of international concern.

I urge all countries to support the resolution we will be considering this week concerning immediate voluntary compliance with the provisions of the Regulations. This is a vital step forward in improving global health security.

HIV/AIDS

While much of our focus lately seems to have been on the threat of pandemic influenza, continued global action on existing infectious diseases is needed.

HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment will continue to be a priority for Canada. We have been a strong supporter of WHO initiatives and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. We fully support efforts towards the goal of universal access to treatment by 2010.

This summer Canada looks forward to hosting the 16 th International AIDS conference in Toronto. With the theme “ Time to Deliver, ” we will focus on how to mobilize the knowledge, lessons, technology and political will to make real inroads into treating, preventing and reversing the spread of AIDS. I encourage delegates to join me at this important global event.

ACCESS TO MEDICINES

While on the topic of high-burden poverty-linked diseases, I want to address the related issue of access to medicines. This week, we will be discussing the report of the Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, and Public Health. Canada recognizes the urgency of the issue and welcomes the Commission's report.

This Assembly will consider approaches that the global community can take to support greater innovation in medicines for diseases prevalent in developing countries. Despite our differences on some of the issues, I believe there is much common ground to be found. I know our hard work over the coming days will lead us to an agreement on how to address the recommendations of the Commission.

HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES

Mr. President,

The best-intentioned efforts to address global

health issues will fail without adequate health human

resources. There is a global shortage and an unequal distribution of health workers throughout the developed and developing world.

Canada recognizes that these health system challenges are most acute in developing countries facing extremely high disease burdens. These shortages have a profound effect on the capacity to provide health care to citizens.

Canada commends the WHO for emphasizing the importance of health care providers. Canada strongly supports the WHO position that the real challenge is to get workers with the right skills in the right place at the right time.

Internationally, Canada is committed to the strengthening of health systems. This is critical to achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals. The shortfall of front-line workers such as nurses and midwives, who provide primary health care in many countries, has become a significant obstacle. We support dialogue and collaboration through initiatives such as the Global Health Workforce Alliance.

In conclusion, Canada is determined to do its part in health human resource development. We will continue working with our international partners to ensure a viable supply of health care providers worldwide.

Thank you.