HHS Secretary Leads U.S. Delegation to the 61st World Health Assembly

May 19, 2008 – HHS Secretary speaks at the 61st World Health Assembly.

May 19, 2008 – U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Michael O. Leavitt addressed his fellow Health Ministers from around the globe on the opening day of the 61st World Health Assembly (WHA), in Geneva, Switzerland.  For the fourth time, Secretary Leavitt is leading the U.S. Delegation to the WHA, which also includes HHS Assistant Secretary of Health ADM Joxel García, M.D., and representatives from the U.S. Department of State and the private sector.

The Secretary and other participants will discuss pandemic-influenza preparedness, the implementation of the revised International Health Regulations, and a proposed global strategy on non-communicable diseases.

The assembly, which convenes until Saturday, May 24, is the annual meeting of the World Health Organization's 193 Member States.

For more information:

• Secretary Leavitt's Speech
• Secretary Leavitt's Press Conference (U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva)

Last revised: May 20, 2008