Brazzaville/Geneva 17 May 2010 -- The 63rd Session of the World Health Assembly begins in Geneva, Switzerland today. The weeklong event will discuss a range of public health issues including

• implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005);
• monitoring of the achievement of the health-related Millennium Development Goals;
• strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol;
• and counterfeit medical products.

The Global governing body will also deliberate on the programme budget, administration and management matters relating to WHO.

The meeting is being attended by health Ministers from the 193 Member states of the organization and their delegations.

Dr Luis Sambo WHO Regional Director for Africa is leading a 9-member AFRO delegation to the assembly.