Health officials were granted the opportunity to participate in the 73rd World Health Assembly and commit to the fight against COVID-19.

Minister for Health and Wellness Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac says she is elated that the virtual session allowed for the involvement of the health team and also their contribution towards the health agenda.

“This year to see that other members of staff at the Ministry of Health given that opportunity to experience what it is like at the World Health Assembly makes it very exciting for me. I can sit here with my staff and we are having discussions as you know the session goes on as they call the different presenters. For me, that is such a big learning exercise and process that it makes me feel very excited to be part of it all.”

Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac says the virtual session definitely afforded them the platform to report on their progress in the fight against COVID-19 and also to acquire knowledge on ways to response to the pandemic.

“We are learning a lot on what other Member States did to handle the whole COVID-19 situation as well as what they intend to do. So, we ourselves can look at best practices that they are speaking of and see how we can put it vis-à-vis what we are doing in Saint Lucia, what we have done, what we did and what we are going to continue to do in Saint Lucia.”

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Glensford Joseph says he is extremely delighted to play a significant part in this process.

“Having the World Health Assembly virtually this year gives us an opportunity to join with the Minister of Health, the Chief Medical Officer to be part of such an important forum where they are discussing several issues that is so critical to the world. From this World Health Assembly we will be leaving with great ideas that we can take back to our place of work in our daily activities that we can implement to make this world a better place.”

The 73rd World Health Assembly is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and convened virtually from May 18 to 19.