The Sixtieth World Health Assembly (WHA) will take place from 14-23 May 2007 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

Issues to be discussed include: The Sixtieth World Health Assembly (WHA) will take place from 14-23 May 2007 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. (developments, response and follow-up) and the application of the International Health Regulations; Smallpox eradication: destruction of variola virus stocks; Malaria, including proposal for establishment of Malaria Day; Tuberculosis control: progress and long-term planning; Prevention and Control of noncommunicable diseases: implementation of the global strategy; Better medicines for children; and Progress in the rational use of medicines.

The Assembly will consider draft resolutions recommended by the Executive Board on these and other issues.

The agenda, the daily Journal and other WHA documents are available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Below is a list of agenda items and other events which may be of particular interest to journalists. Depending on the length of discussions, times and dates for agenda items will likely shift, so journalists should regularly consult the World Health Assembly Journal posted daily. All technical briefings are open to journalists.

Invited speakers

Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway will address the Assembly on issues related to the Millennium Development Goals. Mr Stoltenberg and the Norwegian Government have a particular commitment to Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 (child and maternal health) and will outline how Norway is implementing this commitment. Mr Stoltenberg will also speak about UN reform as he recently co-chaired the Secretary General's High-level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence.

Thoraya Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, will also be addressing the Assembly. Ms Obaid has a long and distinguished career at the United Nations with a focus on development and the advancement of women. She has also been instrumental in efforts in the United Nations system to reform business practices and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of UN development support. She will speak about collaborative activities with WHO on maternal and child health and international global security. WHO, 11/05/07.