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Seychelles calls for healthy lives and well-being promotion at global health assembly |25 May 2016

Health Minister Mitcy Larue has added Seychelles’ voice to those calling for a world that truly seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Minister Larue was addressing the 69th World Health Assembly plenary session yesterday at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland where health ministers, advisors and technicians from around the world are meeting to discuss this year’s theme: ‘Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’.

“I assure you of the steadfast support of Seychelles and of our nation of fewer than a hundred thousand citizens, of our commitment to working with the World Health Organisation for better health for all citizens of the world,” Minister Larue told the assembly.

She explained that Seychelles readily adopted the sustainable development agenda and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) because it is very clear to us, living in an island state, that health and well-being cannot be attained unless people are placed at the centre of development, economic and social development are integrated, and the environment protected.

“It is also clear to us that sustainable development must ensure that, in our efforts to increase our wealth and well-being, we do not deny future generations the opportunities to create their wealth and well-being,” she said.

On behalf of the Seychelles government and its people, Minister Larue welcomed the focus on health in the SDGs and the pursuit of integrated people-centred care at the 69th World Health Assembly.

“Our people's health is under threat from the challenges of development to which our small island nation is subjected. Climate change and changing weather patterns have their adverse impact on health through food insecurity and the spread of disease vectors or disasters,” Minister Larue added.

Addressing global health ministers, Minister Larue said on the positive side, the successes of Seychelles’ social and economic development are reflected in the health of our nation. Increased life expectancy, reduced infant mortality and the overall improvement in health status are direct results of our sustained investment for development.

As the minister responsible for health, she reiterated the fact that the health sector in Seychelles receives the largest proportion of the national budget is but one aspect of the priority afforded to our people's well-being.

Minister Larue is leading a five-member delegation to the week-long 69th World Health Assembly which opened in Geneva on Monday.

During her involvement at the World Health Assembly, Minister Larue and her delegation will meet the WHO director-general, Dr Margaret Chan and the Regional WHO director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti who is based in Brazzaville, Congo.

Minister Larue will also hold meetings on bilateral cooperation with other global health ministers attending the Assembly.

 

 

 

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