Ukrainian delegation participates in 157th session of WHO Executive Board: next steps outlined to strengthen healthcare system

A delegation from Ukraine’s Ministry of Health participated in the 157th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board, held on 28 and 29 May in Geneva. The delegation was led by Maryna Slobodnichenko, Deputy Minister for European Integration and Ukraine’s official deputy member of the WHO Executive Board.

The WHO Executive Board comprises 34 member states elected for three-year terms. It oversees the organisation’s activities, implements its decisions, sets the agenda for the World Health Assembly, and fosters coordination in international healthcare cooperation. Ukraine was elected to the Executive Board for the first time in 2023. Since then, Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, has represented the country as a member of the sub-regional Group C of the WHO European Regional Committee, with his mandate extending until May 2026.

During the 157th session, the Ukrainian delegation raised several key issues of strategic importance for both Ukraine and the global community. In her speeches, Maryna Slobodnichenko called for strengthening preparedness for health emergencies, including through effective early warning systems, enhanced protection for healthcare workers, and greater community involvement in crisis response. Ukraine supported the need for WHO governance reforms, emphasising the importance of transparency, accessible digital tools, and the inclusion of all member states in decision-making. Special focus was placed on the role of medical education, mental health support, and preventing cuts to funding for crisis response programmes.

Bilateral meetings took place on the sidelines of the Executive Board session. Notably, a discussion with Alia El-Yassir, WHO’s Director for Gender, Rights and Equity, focused on further integrating gender equality and human rights approaches into Ukraine’s healthcare system. They also explored opportunities for WHO’s technical support in developing relevant strategies and programmes.

Another meeting involved representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), including Dr. Alexandar Arnikov, a senior official responsible for promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting migrants at IOM’s headquarters. The discussion centred on continuing programmes for mental health support, rehabilitation, and infrastructure restoration, with a focus on aiding veterans, internally displaced persons, and strengthening primary healthcare.

“Ukraine’s membership in the WHO Executive Board reflects recognition of our expertise and contribution to global health policy. We engage as equals on crisis preparedness, support for healthcare workers, system governance, and human rights,” Maryna Slobodnichenko concluded.