Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Chairs WHO Executive Board Meet, Welcomes US Decision To Remain Member Of Global Health Body

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday (26 January) chaired the 148th session of World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board, through video conference.

Speaking at the event, Vardhan welcomed the announcement that the new Administration of President Joe Biden will halt the process of withdrawing the United States from the WHO.

"We note with pleasure that the USA will continue working with all Member States with renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and action in the global fight against the pandemic," he said.

He noted that the coming year will be crucial for mass vaccination against the Covid-19 pandemic across the world.

"If 2020 was the year of discovery for COVID Vaccines, 2021 will be the year we face the challenge of getting it to people across the world who most need it," Vardhan said, adding that WHO must need to play a crucial role in the vaccination.

"Engagement with multiple stakeholders and youth influencers is all the more important now to spread the right information and dispel rumors about the vaccination program and the continuation of other core public health measures aimed at ending the pandemic," he said.