WHA79 - EU Statement - Item 14.4 – Implementation of resolution WHA75.11 (2022)
WHO
79th session of the World Health Assembly
(18-23 May 2026)
Item 14.4 – Implementation of resolution WHA75.11 (2022)
EU Statement
Chair,
I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States.
The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Georgia, the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the United Kingdom align themselves with this statement.
We have now entered the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. While Ukraine continues to demonstrate its desire for just and lasting peace, Russia continues its aggression and is even intensifying its deliberate attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure.
We commend WHO’s efforts in maintaining and strengthening the health system in Ukraine under these extremely challenging and often dangerous circumstances.
We also commend WHO EURO for the delivery of much-needed support and the response to national health needs. We condemn all attacks on health care facilities and personnel and the grave humanitarian impact of Russia’s ongoing strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. As outlined in the DG’s report, more than 55,000 civilian casualties have been reported in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, including almost 15,000 deaths. This has placed high demands on WHO’s work in Ukraine and across the region. We also appreciate the assistance given to the countries neighbouring Ukraine and refugee hosting communities.
The Organization’s work in coordinating health cluster partners, facilitating medical evacuations and repatriations, ensuring the delivery of essential medical supplies and equipment has been instrumental in preserving health and care services for millions of persons affected. Support to maintain routine immunization programmes, ensure access to mental health and rehabilitation services, and strengthen infectious disease surveillance systems remains essential.
We remain committed to supporting WHO’s efforts in Ukraine and call for sustained international support to ensure adequate funding for WHO’s emergency operations. The EU will continue to contribute through financial and in-kind contributions, technical expertise and diplomatic support, building on the €4.2 billion in humanitarian assistance allocated between 2022 and 2025 by the EU and its Member States for civilians affected by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
We reaffirm our continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We stand ready to work further with WHO and other partners to support the Ukrainians in meeting their health needs, despite the ongoing Russia’s attacks.
Thank you, Chair.
- ^ North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.