President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the historic election of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa as president of the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, an opportunity to show the world the Philippines’ commitment to health.”

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday that President Marcos saw Herbosa’s election to preside over the world health body as recognition of the Philippines’ advocacy in global health issues.

The President also regarded the election of the Philippine health chief as a recognition of the heroic contribution of Filipino healthcare workers worldwide to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Marcos said the WHA presidency presented an opportunity for the Philippines to show its commitment to quality healthcare.

“Dagdag ng Pangulo, pagkakataon din ang WHA presidency para maipakita sa mundo ang pagbibigay-halaga ng Pilipinas sa kalusugan. Tumutugma rin aniya ang mga polisiya ng bansa sa mga minumungkahing solusyon sa paglutas ng health issues ng mundo,” Castro said.

Herbosa is the first Philippine health official to be elected to the WHA, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Herbosa is presiding over the 78th WHA session from May 19 to 27, during which delegates from the 194 member-states of the WHO adopted the landmark Pandemic Agreement after three years of negotiations. | PND