Geneva: Paethongtarn", Prime Minister, emphasized at the World Health Assembly (WHA78) that Thailand is moving forward with the universal health strategy, highlighting health as the foundation of sustainable development, and is ready to use digital technology to drive the public health system, aiming for the SDGs.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, gave a speech via video at the 78th World Health Assembly (the 78th World Health Assembly: WHA78), summarizing the main points as follows:
The Prime Minister said that at a time when the global community is facing multiple challenges, it is imperative to strengthen our collective commitment to drive health and sustainable development, especially as the world approaches the final stages of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Prime Minister stressed that health is the foundation of human dignity and a key driver of development. Strengthening health systems is therefore essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, not only in terms of Goal 3 but also in terms of poverty, education, gender equality, and climate change adaptation. Thailand is integrating health across all its policies to build resilient societies.
Thailand has prioritized universal health coverage, a national agenda that has been ongoing since 2002. The government has expanded access, reduced costs significantly, and is now moving towards developing an integrated health system, using digital technology as a tool to reach vulnerable populations and improve continuity of care. The Prime Minister also spoke about the power of technology in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), emphasizing the use of data for early detection and promotion of broader health behaviors.
At the same time, Thailand is committed to enhancing its preparedness to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, as well as integrating mental health into recovery and resilience strategies. Thailand welcomed the progress made in negotiating the pandemic agreement, which reflects the strength of multilateralism in creating a safer world.
In terms of environmental factors affecting health, the Prime Minister stated that Thailand continues to prioritize urban development and participatory governance. The government is proud that Bangkok, Sadao Municipality, Songkhla Province, Ban Suan Municipality, Chonburi Province, and Khlong Cha-un Subdistrict Municipality, Surat Thani Province have been recognized as part of the WHO Healthy Cities Network.
In closing, the Prime Minister reiterated Thailand's firm belief in the World Health Organization, and that sustainable cooperation between the two countries is based on equality, solidarity, and the shared vision that "health is a global public good." He also expressed his readiness to support reform of the World Health Organization system and expressed his commitment to move forward on this path together.
In addition, the 78th World Health Assembly is a forum of the World Health Organization (WHO) held annually in May in Geneva, Switzerland. This year, it will be held from 19-27 May 2025 under the main theme of 'One World for Health', with representatives from 194 member states attending to set global health policies and develop guidelines to deal with global health challenges such as epidemics, climate change, and inequalities in access to health services. It aims for all countries to work together to create sustainable and equitable health systems for people around the world.