Geneva – Member States of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday agreed to establishing a new Health Emergencies Programme.
It said in a statement in Geneva that in order to fulfil the new responsibilities, delegates have agreed to a budget of 494 million dollars for the Programme for 2016-2017.
WHO said it is an increase of 160 million dollars to the existing programme budget for its work in emergencies.
It said the programme would add operational capabilities for outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies to complement its traditional technical and normative roles.
The move was described as “one of the most profound transformations in the Organisation’s history”.
WHO said the new programme is designed to deliver rapid, predictable and comprehensive support to countries and communities.
It said it has become necessary as they prepare for, face or recover from emergencies caused by any type of hazard to human health, whether disease outbreaks, natural or man-made disasters or conflicts.
WHO said it will provide leadership within the context of the International Health Regulations and health, in relation to the broader humanitarian and disaster management system.
In order to fulfil these new responsibilities, delegates agreed a budget of 494 million U.S. dollars for the Programme for 2016-2017, which is an increase of 160 million U.S. dollars to the existing Programme Budget for WHO’s work in emergencies. (Xinhua/NAN)
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