Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Congratulations to the #Bahamas for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This achievement solidifies years of political commitment, and the dedication of health workers. By ensuring that children are born free of HIV, we are securing a healthier, brighter future for the next generation. @MOHW242 who.int/news/item/22-0…

The Aral Sea is a manmade disaster with consequential environmental implications. At the Regional Ecological Summit #RES2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, I highlighted that the health of humans, animals and the environment we share are inextricably linked. We cannot protect one without protecting the others. @WHO has four priorities in this regard: -Integration of health in environmental policy and recovery efforts; -stronger cross-border collaboration; -better monitoring, better data and better use of evidence; -keep people at the centre especially children, women and communities living in the most affected areas.

I commend @wesstreeting, Secretary of State at @DHSCgovuk, and the @UKParliament for taking decisive action to protect the next generation from tobacco. This is a significant victory for the health and wellbeing of young people across the #UK. I encourage other countries to follow this example and take similarly bold steps to safeguard their children from addiction to this harmful product.

Met with my @WHOUzbekistan colleagues to thank them for their support of national efforts to promote and protect #HealthForAll Uzbeks. We also discussed collaboration with national partners to help ongoing health reforms and strengthen key health system pillars, including primary health care, noncommunicable disease control and digital health.   #ProudToBeWHO

Inspiring meeting with the First Lady of #Uzbekistan, Her Excellency Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, a champion for childhood cancer control and improving the lives of children diagnosed with cancer. The Zamin Foundation, chaired by Mrs Mirziyoyeva, plays a pivotal role in advancing pediatric oncology services and providing hospital-based education through the Republican Children’s Oncology and Hematology Centre in the capital Tashkent, and the “Mehrli Maktab” school operating out of the centre and across the country. Through these facilities, the First Lady and all health workers and educators involved are giving children living with cancer the medical and social support they need to overcome their illnesses and realize their dreams. I was pleased to meet many young Uzbeks being provided care and hope thanks to the facilities. They included Samira, a young cancer survivor who participated with the First Lady and I at a side event on childhood cancer at last year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, and Dilnavoz (another cancer survivor), a talented artist whose goal is to be an interpreter in the future. I also committed @WHO’s ongoing support to help them reach their targets and collaborate with regional and international partners to help more children succeed in their battles with cancer.

Held a very constructive meeting yesterday with His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan. I commended the President for Uzbekistan's extensive health system reforms, hallmarked by investment in its health workforce, primary health care strengthening, health financing, national insurance and digital technology. I reiterated @WHO’s continued collaboration on these fronts as part of our overall commitment to advancing universal health coverage. I also reaffirmed that WHO will keep working side-by-side with Uzbekistan to address the health impacts of synthetic drugs and other illicit narcotics, and supporting the government's efforts to prevent and control cancer in children and adults. x.com/president_uz/s…

Appreciated the visit to the Family Polyclinic #7 in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, which reflects the country’s scaling up of primary health care services. I was especially impressed by the clinic’s use of health data of the communities it serves to categorize groups of people based on their health status, and tailor services to meet their respective needs, from prevention and treatment to pre-natal and maternal care. I commended the government, and the clinic’s dedicated workforce for their efforts and encouraged them to continue expanding this approach throughout Uzbekistan.

Thank you Ms Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of #Uzbekistan, for our positive meeting on the country’s strong efforts to address transnational drug threats and their public health and security impacts. We agreed on the need for countries, especially in the Central Asian region, to collaborate more closely to address the health risks associated with substance use disorders. I recognized @SMirziyoyeva for her leadership to invest in primary health care, rehabilitation services and a national hotline to treat and support people affected by drug use disorders. We also discussed the strong gains Uzbekistan is making in the reform of its health system to advance #HealthForAll in the country, and agreed to build further on the close cooperation between @GOVuz and @WHO.

Today @DrTedros visits Family Polyclinic #7 in Tashkent 🇺🇿 — a living example of how #Uzbekistan is transforming its health system, moving towards strong, people-centred primary health care. #HealthForAll

At Polyclinic No. 7 in Tashkent 🇺🇿, @DrTedros heard directly from makhalla-community representatives, family doctors and nurses how newly established medical teams work together to deliver health services, support prevention & link people to care. #PHC #HealthForAll

Almost half of the population of #Haiti is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity due to armed violence, climate shocks, economic contraction according to the latest report by @theIPCinfo. @pahowho has been supporting critical health work in Haiti, including providing equipment, medicines, and training for health workers to manage severe acute malnutrition and its complications as well as the promotion of breastfeeding in emergency settings. While these efforts are vital, the scale of need is profound. I call for the expansion of humanitarian access to ensure that all people in need can safely receive nutrition and lifesaving medical care. ipcinfo.org/ipcinfo-websit…

Congratulations to Anda Filip (@andafilip) on her election as Secretary General of the Inter Parliamentary Union (@IPUparliament). I look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the organization. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to my dear friend @MartinChungong for his constructive and impactful tenure, during which we established the WHA Global Parliamentary Forum creating a vital space for parliamentarians and health experts to connect and work together to achieve #HealthForAll.

Substance use disorders are health disorders. Globally, there are an estimated 300 million drug users, yet only a small fraction receive treatment.  New types of highly potent synthetic drugs are emerging every year, presenting significant public health risks. Stigma, discrimination, criminalization of people using drugs, and fear of punishment continue to push people away from care and away from the health systems that should protect them. A strong health response to drug-related harms requires health systems that: - integrate services for mental health and substance use with services to prevent communicable diseases at the primary health care level; - ⁠engage communities and civil society; - ⁠and support families, protect children, and reach people in prisons, in humanitarian crises, and on the margins of society. I salute the Government of #Uzbekistan for hosting, with @UNODC, the International Forum on Countering Transnational Drug Threats to Public Health and Security in Samarkand and putting increased attention on this critical health area. My speech to the Forum: who.int/news-room/spee…

Appreciated the warm welcome to the historic Silk Road city of Samarkand by #Uzbekistan Minister of Health Dr Asilbek Anvarovich Khudayarov. My visit reflects @WHO’s commitment to supporting @GOVuz’s efforts to promote and protect the health of its citizens, including by addressing the public health impacts of transnational drug threats. Katta Rahmat.

🇺🇿 O‘zbekistonga xush kelibsiz, @DrTedros! Welcome to #Uzbekistan - a country rich in history and warm hospitality, commited to building a stronger health system.

At a time of profound global challenges, multilateral cooperation and parliamentary leadership are essential for peace, equity, development and health.   That’s why together we have now established a regular, dedicated space for parliamentarians within the World Health Assembly a Global Parliamentary Forum, to be held on the 20thof May in Geneva, alongside the World Health Assembly. @WHO and @IPUparliament are working together to connect global health governance to national parliaments.

Happy 23rd Birthday, João! @JoaoEnsina Thank you for your kind message and for considering me a friend. I was truly touched. This Sunday, April 19, is your special day, and I am sending you my warmest wishes all the way from #Geneva, my young friend. My hope for you is good health, happiness, and many beautiful years ahead. Keep your spirit alive. The world needs more young people like you who reach out with kindness. Enjoy your birthday, João. I am proud to celebrate with you in thought. #Brazil

Nkunda u Rwanda! Thank you for sharing your story, dear Ngabo. The love and connection you have with your cows and your village is truly special. It's beautiful that you turned your childhood into a welcoming experience for others. Keep being that caring person. Wishing you and @Visit_Bigogwe all the best.