United States Mission Geneva

U.S. Statement

Geneva,
July 9, 2009
The United States wishes to thank the President of ECOSOC and all the delegations who worked collaboratively to draft a strong, forward-leaning Ministerial Declaration on the importance of implementing the commitments on global public health. We appreciate the flexibility that has been shown by all, including the G77 and the European [...]

SECRETARY SEBELIUS: Good morning, everyone. I’m pleased to be here this morning at my first opportunity to meet here at the World Health Assembly as a representative of the United States of America. I’m now four weeks into my new position as Secretary of Health and Human Services and am delighted to have the chance to have an introduction to our world partners and see in person Dr. Margaret Chan who’s been not only been a great leader for WHO but a frequent collaborator during my early weeks on the job.

It is my honor to represent the United States of America and address the World Health Assembly and I want you to know that the United States is here to work with you and we are here to listen.
President Obama and I know that this is a unique moment in our history, a moment where we must unite to improve the health of all our nations. We are committed to partnering with you to advance the cause of social justice, to expand access to health care and reduce health disparities. And we know that working together, we can achieve the goals that we all share.

United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Canadian Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia Pacific Gateway Stockwell Day, and Mexican Secretary of the Economy Gerardo Ruiz Mateos today issued the following statement calling for an end to unscientific bans on pork imports from their respective countries due to the fears of the H1N1 flu virus, noting the large and negative economic impact of such bans. More than a dozen countries worldwide have sought to ban pork imports from H1N1-affected nations:

On May 4-5, Dr. Esther Brimmer will make her first visit to Geneva since assuming her position as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. During her visit, Dr. Brimmer will meet with Geneva-based United Nations agencies and International Organizations, as well as diplomatic counterparts and staff of the U.S. Mission.

The United States Government has declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. CDC is issuing and updating interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation.

For more information visit the CDC webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Today marks World Tuberculosis Day, and I join others around the world in saying “I am stopping TB.”

Tuberculosis (TB) kills almost 5,000 people each day, and is the leading cause of death for people living with HIV/AIDS. According to the World Health Organization, almost 40% of TB cases are not properly detected and treated. While treatment for TB exists, more and more individuals are being diagnosed with multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB, which are difficult and expensive to treat.

The United States Senate today overwhelmingly approved the nomination of USTR designee Ron Kirk as the nation’s 16th trade representative. As United States Trade Representative (USTR), Kirk is member of President Obama’s Cabinet and serves as the President’s principal trade advisor, negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues.