WHO-EB 146 Invitation Letter

20, AVENUE APPIA – CH-1211 GENEVA 27 – SWITZERLAND – TEL CENTRAL +41 22 791 2111 – FAX CENTRAL +41 22 791 3111 – WWW.WHO.INT
… ENCLS: (4) EB/20.3
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has the honour to invite
the non-State actors in official relations with WHO, in accordance with privileges conferred on
them, to appoint representatives to attend the 146th session of the Executive Board which will be
held from Monday, 3 to Saturday, 8 February 2020, commencing at 09:00, at
WHO headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.
… A copy of the provisional agenda, and provisional annotated agenda for this session is
enclosed. The documents for the 146th session of the Executive Board can be accessed on the
Internet through the WHO website (http://www.who.int/gb/). As agreed by the Executive Board
at its 143rd session, governing body meetings are paperless.
… A copy of “Practical information for delegates of non-State actors in official relations with
the World Health Organization” is also enclosed.
Registration for the Executive Board can be initiated as of 30 December 2019 by going to
the following link: http://extranet.who.int/bpmext/meetingregistration.aspx, using the following
username: ebuser, and password: Hamiki28. In this regard, participants’ attention is drawn to the
arrangements for photo ID badges.
Instructions for online registration are available for downloading from the Governance
website (http://www.who.int/governance/registration/en/index.html).
GENEVA, 9 December 2019
GBS/NSA/EB146/20.3
146th session of the WHO Executive Board, 3–8 February 2020
WHO headquarters, Geneva
Practical information for delegates of non-State actors
in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO)
1. The 146th session of the WHO Executive Board will meet at WHO headquarters, Geneva, from
3 to 8 February 2020, commencing at 09:00. The information below is intended to facilitate the
participation of non-State actors in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) at the
Executive Board.
Registration and collection of official EB badges
Registration
2. Online registration is required for the Executive Board. To that end, the invitation letter to the
Executive Board provides a link to the WHO Governing Bodies Meeting Registration System, as well
as a username and password that will give access to the system. Each non-State actor must designate a
focal point to be responsible for registering its delegation in the system, and giving its delegates copies
of the invitation and enclosures as well as the non-State actors’ letter of credentials.
3. Online registration requires each non-State actor to upload a copy of its credentials, that is, a
signed response to the invitation on the non-State actor’s letterhead indicating the name of the head of
delegation, the name(s) of the other representatives, function of each delegate in the non-State actor
itself and, where appropriate, in an affiliated non-State actor. In accordance with the submitted delegate
information, official EB badges will be prepared in advance. The deadline for registration is
20 January 2020.
4. Instructions for the online registration system are available on the Governance website at
http://www.who.int/governance/registration/en/index.html. Queries concerning the system can be
addressed by email to supportregistration@who.int, or by telephone +41 22 791 2111.
5. For security reasons, all delegates are required to wear photo ID badges in order to access the
meeting room. For this reason, during the online registration process, the Focal Point will be asked to
upload a passport style photograph of each member of the delegation.
6. Guidance on the nature of the image required, and brief instructions on how to upload and resize
an existing image you may have, are both available on the WHO website:
http://www.who.int/governance/en/.
7. An example of credentials is attached for ease of reference.
8. Registered representatives of non-State actors appear in the official WHO records as participants.
Kindly note that during registration the affiliation of each delegate is required. While the non-State
actors are invited to appoint a representative or representatives to attend the Executive Board,
disproportionate representation at the meetings is to be avoided.
Collection of badges
9. Upon arrival at WHO headquarters, delegates should show the credentials letter and proof of
identity, for example, a passport to the Reception desk which will be open from Thursday, 30 January at
09:00 to Saturday, 8 February 2020 at WHO headquarters.
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GBS/NSA/EB146/20.3
Executive Board documents
10. As they become available, documents for the Executive Board are posted on the WHO website
at http://www.who.int/gb/. The documents are available in the official languages of WHO: Arabic,
Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
11. As agreed by the Executive Board at its 143rd session, governing body meetings are paperless.
Seating arrangements
12. Seating for non-State actors is reserved in the gallery located above to the left side of the
EB room. Availability of seating is largely determined by logistical constraints and the Secretariat does
its utmost to facilitate all the needs of participants, including non-State actors.
Non-State actors’ statements at the Board
13. A non-State actor in official relations with WHO may request to make statements under a
technical item in which the non-State actor has a particular interest. This privilege includes, inter alia,
the possibility to make a statement if the Chairman of the meeting (i) invites them to do so or (ii) accedes
to their request when an item in which the related entity is particularly interested is being discussed. The
following process applies to such requests:
• Non-State actors wishing to make a statement should notify the Partnerships and non-State
actors’ Team (PNA) nsastatements@who.int at the latest by 08:00 of the day when the agenda
item is scheduled to be discussed.
• When submitting a request, the non-State actor should provide the name of the entity, the name
of the representative that will deliver the statement and the technical agenda item under which
the statement will be made.
• While every attempt is made to keep non-State actors informed of the status of their requests,
it is the responsibility of the non-State actor to verify with PNA that the request has been
received. PNA will inform the Chairperson of the meeting of the names of the non-State actors
wishing to make a statement.
• To note, the statements will be made only at the invitation of the Chairperson.
• Statements should focus on technical issues and should be directly relevant to both the agenda
item and to the document prepared for the item. Accuracy of the technical components should
be considered. The titles of individuals, organizations and/or specific doctrines are expected to
be correct and there should be no spelling/grammatical errors.
• Statements should not raise issues of purely political nature that are unrelated to the topic, and
should not contain any inappropriate or offensive reference to Member States. The
nomenclature used to refer to Member States, or areas of Member States, must follow that of
the United Nations. In case of doubt, please consult nsastatements@who.int.
• Statements should be limited to about 300 words (1960 characters) which should not take longer
than two minutes to deliver.
• In case of delays, and to facilitate the scheduling of the meetings, the Chairperson may decide
to limit the number of statements to be delivered under an agenda item and/or reconsider the
time allotted for statements.
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GBS/NSA/EB146/20.3
• Non-State actors have the possibility to submit their statements in advance of the debate for the
Secretariat to post on a dedicated website. This will enable non-State actors to make their inputs
and contributions known prior to the debates. For that purpose, the entities are invited to register
at https://extranet.who.int/nonstateactorsstatements/. Once the registration form has been
submitted, an approval email will be sent with relevant details on the process to be followed.
Statements posted may include a footnote with a link to the non-State actors’ website for further
information. To note, the statements are posted for a limited time, and will not be retained on
the website thereafter.
• Statements longer than 300 words, those that were posted but were not delivered during the
working sessions or those that do not follow the process described in this note will not be
allowed to be posted on the website and can be withdrawn at the WHO’s Secretariat’s sole
discretion.
• If the non-State actor decides not to post the statement on the dedicated website, its
representative is invited to send a copy to nstatements@who.int prior to its delivery to facilitate
the work of the interpreters.
• The summary records of the Executive Board, which will be published after the meetings, will
reflect only those statements that were read out during the working sessions.
Speaking before the Board
14. Statements are delivered from the “Speakers” seat in the EB room. The seating plan, placed on
the wall at the entrance of the Executive Board room should be consulted.
15. The speakers would need to follow the debate on the item which they wish to address. Shortly
before the Member States have finished speaking on the item, non-State actor speakers should leave the
gallery and move to the allocated “Speakers” seat in the Executive Board room. If the “Speakers” seat
is occupied, the huissier will help to find alternative seating. The Chairperson will invite the speaker to
take the floor. After the statement, the speaker is invited to move from the seat promptly to enable the
following speaker to take his/her place. It is the responsibility of the speakers to ensure their presence
for the item in the room.
16. To note, schedules may change according to the dynamics of the debate; thus representatives
are strongly urged to follow the relevant debate so as to be informed of any change in schedule.
17. Should it not be possible for the speaker to be present, he or she may arrange for another
representative from his/her delegation to deliver the statement. Notification of the name of the new
speaker should be sent to nsastatements@who.int. The person nominated should be part of the same
delegation as the original speaker, and should have registered and collected his/her badge. In cases where
a non-State actor has not been able to nominate another person to make the statement, it is not possible
for the statement to be presented to the Executive Board or appear in written form in the official records
of the Executive Board proceedings.
Partnerships and Non-State Actors Team (PNA)
18. PNA serves as the focal point for assisting non-State actors during the Executive Board.
19. Queries concerning the online registration system can be addressed by email to
supportregistration@who.int, or by telephone +41 22 791 2111.
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GBS/NSA/EB146/credential
Non-State actor letterhead
World Health Organization
The Director
Department of Governing Bodies
20 Avenue Appia
1211 Geneva 27
Date
Dear Dr Armstrong,
Please find below the names of our representatives who will attend the 146th session of the
Executive Board, which will be held from 3 to 8 February 2020 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Ms X. Smith
Business title
Affiliation (name of the non-State actor in official relations or its member organization, a branch,
subsidiary or division, whichever applies to the delegate)
Dr D. Thompson
Business title
Affiliation (name of the non-State actor in official relations or its member organization, a branch,
subsidiary or division, whichever applies to the delegate)
With best regards,
Name, signature and title of a senior official
EXECUTIVE BOARD EB146/1 Rev.1
146th session 9 December 2019
Geneva, 3–8 February 2020
Provisional agenda
1. Opening of the session
2. Adoption of the agenda
Documents EB146/1 Rev.1 and EB146/1 (annotated)
3. Report by the Director-General
Document EB146/2
4. Report of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board
Document EB146/3
5. Report of the regional committees to the Executive Board
Document EB146/4
Pillar 1: One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage
6. Primary health care
Document EB146/5
7. Follow-up to the high-level meetings of the United Nations General Assembly on health-
related issues
7.1 Universal health coverage: moving together to build a healthier world
Document EB146/6
7.2 Political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the
prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
Documents EB146/7 and EB146/7 Add.1
8. Global vaccine action plan
Document EB146/8
EB146/1 Rev.1
2
9. Accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer as a global public health problem
Document EB146/9
10. Ending tuberculosis
Documents EB146/10 and EB146/11
11. Epilepsy
Document EB146/12
12. Integrated, people-centred eye care, including preventable blindness and impaired vision
Document EB146/13
13. Neglected tropical diseases
Document EB146/14
14. Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property
Document EB146/15
Pillar 2: One billion more people better protected from health emergencies
15. Public health emergencies: preparedness and response
15.1 Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies
Programme
Document EB146/16
15.2 WHO’s work in health emergencies
Document EB146/17
15.3 Influenza preparedness
Document EB146/18
15.4 The public health implications of implementation of the Nagoya Protocol
Document EB146/19
15.5 Cholera prevention and control
Document EB146/20
EB146/1 Rev.1
3
16. Poliomyelitis
16.1 Polio eradication
Document EB146/21
16.2 Polio transition planning and polio post-certification
Document EB146/22
Pillar 3: One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being
17. Decade of Healthy Ageing
Document EB146/23
18. Maternal, infant and young child nutrition
Document EB146/24
19. Accelerating efforts on food safety
Document EB146/25
Pillar 4: More effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries
20. Data and innovation: draft global strategy on digital health
Document EB146/26
21. Budget and finance matters
21.1 Programme budget 2020–2021
Documents EB146/27 [issued as document EB146/28], EB146/28 and EB146/29
21.2 Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2018–2019 and outlook on
financing of the Programme budget 2020–2021
Document EB146/30
21.3 Amendments to the Financial Regulations and Financial Rules [if any]
22. Governance matters
22.1 WHO reform
Documents EB146/31, EB146/32 and EB146/33
EB146/1 Rev.1
4
22.2 Engagement with non-State actors
• Report on the implementation of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors
Document EB146/34
• Non-State actors in official relations with WHO
Document EB146/35
22.3 World health days
Document EB146/36
22.4 Provisional agenda of the Seventy-third World Health Assembly and date and place of the
147th session of the Executive Board
Document EB146/37
23. Management matters
23.1 Evaluation: update and proposed workplan for 2020–2021
Documents EB146/38, EB146/38 Add.1 and EB146/38 Add.2
23.2 Evaluation of the election of the Director-General of the World Health Organization
Document EB146/39
23.3 Update on the Infrastructure Fund
• Information management and technology
Document EB146/40
• Geneva buildings renovation strategy
Document EB146/41
24. Committees of the Executive Board
24.1 Membership of the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee
Documents EB146/42 and EB146/42 Add.1
24.2 Participation in the Programme Budget and Administration Committee
Document EB146/43
EB146/1 Rev.1
5
24.3 Foundation committees and selection panels
Document EB146/44
24.4 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion
Document EB146/45
25. Staffing matters
25.1 Appointment of the Regional Director for Africa
Document EB146/46
25.2 Appointment of the Regional Director for Europe
Document EB146/47
25.3 Statement by the representative of the WHO staff associations
Document EB146/INF./1
25.4 Report of the Ombudsman
Documents EB146/INF./2 and EB146/INF./3
25.5 Human resources: update
Document EB146/48
25.6 Amendments to the Staff Regulations and Staff Rules
Document EB146/49
25.7 Report of the International Civil Service Commission
Document EB146/50
26. Matters for information
26.1 Reports of advisory bodies
• Expert committees and study groups
Documents EB146/51 and EB146/51 Add.1
27. Closure of the session
EB146/1 Rev.1
6
Note: in line with resolution WHA67.2 (2014), the following items will be considered by the Health
Assembly under progress reports.
Pillar 1. One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage
Addressing the burden of snakebite envenoming (resolution WHA71.5 (2018))
Strengthening integrated, people-centred health services (resolution WHA69.24 (2016))
Eradication of dracunculiasis (resolution WHA64.16 (2011))
Reproductive health: strategy to accelerate progress towards the attainment of international
development goals and targets (resolution WHA57.12 (2004))
Global action plan on the public health response to dementia (decision WHA70(17) (2017))
Newborn health action plan (resolution WHA67.10 (2014))
Improving the prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of sepsis (resolution WHA70.7
(2017))
Female genital mutilation (resolution WHA61.16 (2008))
Public health dimension of the world drug problem (decision WHA70(18) (2017))
Pillar 3. One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being
Health and the environment: road map for an enhanced global response to the adverse health effects
of air pollution (decision WHA69(11) (2016))
Pillar 4. More effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries
WHO’s role and responsibilities in health research (resolution WHA63.21 (2010))
= = =
EXECUTIVE BOARD EB146/1 (annotated)
146th session 9 December 2019
Geneva, 3–8 February 2020
Provisional agenda (annotated)
1. Opening of the session
2. Adoption of the agenda
3. Report by the Director-General
4. Report of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board
The Board will receive at the opening of its session the report of the thirty-first meeting of the Programme, Budget
and Administration Committee, which is scheduled to be held from 29 to 31 January 2020.
5. Report of the regional committees to the Executive Board
In decision WHA65(9) (2012), the Health Assembly endorsed the proposal that the chairpersons of the regional
committees routinely submit to the Board summary reports of the committees’ deliberations. The Board will be
invited to consider the recommendations and comments of the regional committees.
Pillar 1: One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage
6. Primary health care
In response to the request in resolution WHA72.2 (2019) on primary health care, the Director-General will submit
a draft operational framework for primary health care. The report will outline the levers of the draft operational
framework, including monitoring and evaluation, that are essential to strengthening primary health care
implementation towards universal health coverage at country level. The Board will be invited to note the report.
7. Follow-up to the high-level meetings of the United Nations General Assembly on health-
related issues
7.1 Universal health coverage: moving together to build a healthier world
In a historic declaration adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in October 2019, world leaders
unanimously demonstrated the highest level of political commitment to universal health coverage. The
Director-General’s report will underline the central importance of primary health care to universal health coverage;
the highlights, achievements and challenges identified by WHO’s 2019 monitoring report; and the fact that
investment in primary health care is an effective, efficient and equitable way to advance universal health coverage
and eliminate catastrophic health expenditure. The report will also describe the next steps for WHO, including
provision of support for the strengthening of health systems, multisectoral approaches through primary health care,
and sustaining progress towards universal health coverage. The Board will be invited to note the report.
EB146/1 (annotated)
2
7.2 Political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the
prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
In line with decision WHA72(11) (2019), the Director-General will submit a report that will set out a menu of
policy options and cost-effective interventions to promote mental health and well-being and planned next steps
towards developing a menu of policy options to reduce the number of premature deaths from noncommunicable
diseases attributed to air pollution. It will also include a review of progress in implementing the global strategy to
reduce the harmful use of alcohol since its endorsement in 2010 and an outline of the way forward. An additional
report will describe the findings of the consultative process on implementation of the global strategy to reduce the
harmful use of alcohol and the way forward. The Board will be invited to note the reports and provide further
guidance as appropriate.
8. Global vaccine action plan
In resolution WHA70.14 (2017), the Health Assembly requested the Director-General to report on the
achievements made towards the global vaccine action plans’ goals and targets for 2020 and the feasibility of, and
potential resource requirements for, eradication of measles and rubella. The report will review and present the
lessons learned from the global vaccine action plan, which provided an immunization vision and strategy for the
decade 2011–2020. The Board will be invited to note the report and provide further guidance on next steps.
9. Accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer as a global public health problem
In line with the request made by the Board in decision EB144(2) (2019), the Secretariat has developed, in
consultation with Member States and other stakeholders, a draft global strategy to accelerate the elimination of
cervical cancer, with clear goals and targets for the period 2020–2030. The draft strategy is designed to harness
proven and effective strategies on vaccination against human papillomavirus, screening for and treatment of pre-
cancerous lesions, detection and treatment of invasive cancers, and palliative care in order to eliminate cervical
cancer as a public health problem. This effort will support the strengthening of primary health care and the
achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and universal health coverage. The Board will be invited to
consider the draft strategy and provide further guidance.
10. Ending tuberculosis
Pursuant to resolutions WHA67.1 (2014) and WHA71.3 (2018), the Director-General will submit two reports on
tuberculosis. The first will contain a report on progress in implementing the End TB Strategy and towards its
targets for 2030 and 2035 with an assessment of progress in implementing the commitments set forth in the
political declaration of the United Nations high-level meeting on ending tuberculosis in 2018. The second report
will summarize a comprehensive draft global strategy on tuberculosis research and innovation. The Board will be
invited to note the reports, provide further guidance as appropriate, and consider a draft decision.
11. Epilepsy
Following the agreement of the Board at its 144th session to include this item on the provisional agenda of the
present session, the Director-General will submit a report summarizing the latest available evidence on the burden
of epilepsy, the public health response required at global, regional and national levels, the Secretariat’s main
activities over recent years, and the way forward. The Board will be invited to note the report and provide further
guidance as appropriate.
EB146/1 (annotated)
3
12. Integrated, people-centred eye care, including preventable blindness and impaired vision
The Director-General will submit a report outlining the rationale for action to integrate the delivery of
people-centred eye care services into the health system, to reduce inequities to access these services, and to enable
health systems to respond to the projected increase in eye conditions. The report will draw on the recently
published WHO World report on vision. The Board will be invited to note the report and provide guidance, for
instance on the next steps to accelerate the implementation of integrated people-centred eye care.
13. Neglected tropical diseases
The Director-General will submit a report summarizing the current situation and the lessons learned from
implementation of the current road map for accelerating work to overcome the global impact of neglected tropical
diseases, which comes to an end in 2020. The Board will be invited to note the report and provide guidance on the
next steps to advance global action on neglected tropical diseases.
14. Global strategy and plan of action on public health, innovation and intellectual property
In response to the request in decision WHA71(9) (2018), the Director-General will present a report on progress
made in implementing that decision. The report will review progress made by the Secretariat in implementing the
recommendations of the overall programme review panel. The Board will be invited to note the report.
Pillar 2: One billion more people better protected from health emergencies
15. Public health emergencies: preparedness and response
15.1 Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies
Programme
The Chair of the Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme
will present the Committee’s seventh report to the governing bodies. The report will provide the Committee’s
observations and recommendations based on its review of WHO’s work in major outbreaks and other health
emergencies during the period May–December 2019.
15.2 WHO’s work in health emergencies
Pursuant to requests in resolution EBSS3.R1 (2015) and decision WHA68(10) (2014), this report will provide: an
update on all Public Health Emergencies of International Concern, WHO Grade 3 and United Nations Inter-
Agency Standing Committee Level 3 emergencies in which WHO took action in 2019 (up to October); a
description of the work WHO is undertaking at global, regional and country levels to prepare for, prevent, detect
and respond to health emergencies, including WHO’s role as health cluster lead; and an update on the progress
made to improve research and development for potentially epidemic diseases. The Board will be invited to note
the report.
15.3 Influenza preparedness
Pursuant to decision WHA72(12) (2019), the Director-General will submit a report on measures taken to increase
global preparedness for a robust response to the next influenza pandemic. The report will cover the development
and launch of the new Global Influenza Strategy 2019–2030, recent work of the Global Influenza Programme and
the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System to strengthen preparedness capacities, and updates on
actions taken to implement decision WHA72(12). The Board will be invited to note the report and provide
guidance in specific areas.
EB146/1 (annotated)
4
15.4 The public health implications of implementation of the Nagoya Protocol
This report, submitted pursuant to decision WHA72(13) (2019), will provide an update on the Secretariat’s work
to provide information on current pathogen-sharing practices and arrangements, the implementation of access and
benefit-sharing measures, and the potential public health outcomes and other implications. The Board will be
invited to note the report and consider the proposed next steps for implementing decision WHA72(13).
15.5 Cholera prevention and control
Pursuant to resolution WHA71.4 (2018), this report will provide an update on the global cholera situation and
progress in recent efforts made in cholera prevention and control. The Board will be invited to note the report.
16. Poliomyelitis
16.1 Polio eradication
The report will provide a status update on polio eradication, summarizing programmatic, epidemiological and
financial challenges to securing a lasting polio-free world through full implementation of the Polio Endgame
Strategy 2019–2023. It will empathize that, in particular, efforts must focus on intensified and new tools and
approaches to urgently addressing the evolving epidemiology of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. The
Board will be invited to note the report.
16.2 Polio transition planning and polio post-certification
Pursuant to decision WHA70(9) (2017), the report will provide a status update on the implementation of the
Strategic Action Plan on Polio Transition 2019–2023, with a focus on summarizing progress with priority country
action plans. The Board will be invited to note the report.
Pillar 3: One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being
17. Decade of Healthy Ageing
Pursuant to resolution WHA69.3 (2016) adopting the Global strategy and action plan on ageing and health, a
proposal for a Decade of Healthy Ageing 2020–2030 has been prepared with inputs from organizations in the
United Nations system, international organizations and non-State actors. The Director-General’s report will
summarize the draft proposal, which extends the action plan to 2030 with strengthened multisectoral action and
multistakeholder engagement. It will detail the vision, action areas, activities and their enablers, and a framework
to track progress. The Board will be invited to consider a draft decision.
18. Maternal, infant and young child nutrition
In response to the request in resolution WHA71.9 (2018), the report will illustrate the progress in the
implementation of the comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition, endorsed
in 2012, and towards the achievement of the global nutrition targets. It will also provide an update on the
implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and WHO’s recommendations
on marketing of complementary foods. The Board will be invited to provide guidance and consider a draft decision.
EB146/1 (annotated)
5
19. Accelerating efforts on food safety
In following up on the First International Food Safety Conference and the International Forum on Food Safety and
Trade (both held in early 2019), the Director-General will submit a report on the WHO’s ongoing actions on food
safety. The Board will be invited to note the report and to provide guidance on the Organization’s response to
foodborne diseases.
Pillar 4: More effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries
20. Data and innovation: draft global strategy on digital health
In response to the requests in resolution WHA71.7 (2018), the Director-General will submit a draft global strategy
on digital health. The report will outline the purpose, vision, framework for action, and implementation, with
strategic objectives, including the development of partnerships at all levels. It will also describe an action plan,
which includes monitoring and evaluation. The Board will be invited to consider a draft decision on the draft global
strategy on digital health.
21. Budget and finance matters
21.1 Programme budget 2020–2021
In response to the request in resolution WHA72.1 (2019) the Director-General will submit the measurement
framework for the Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019–2023, including plans for methods of measuring
outputs. The Board will be invited to note the reports and provide strategic advice on finalizing the measurement
framework.
The Director-General will also submit a report on the resource mobilization strategy, for the Board’s consideration.
21.2 Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2018–2019 and outlook on
financing of the Programme budget 2020–2021
The Director-General will submit a report on the financing and implementation of the Programme budget
2018–2019 and the outlook for the financing of the Programme budget 2020–2021, which the Board will be invited
to note.
21.3 Amendments to the Financial Regulations and Financial Rules [if any]
22. Governance matters
22.1 WHO reform
As agreed by the Executive Board at its 145th session, the Secretariat organized a web consultation with non-State
actors to seek their views on their involvement in WHO governance in order to elaborate proposals for the
governing bodies on that involvement. The report will describe the outcome of the consultation and outline options
for involving non-State actors in WHO governance, including the organization of an informal meeting between
Member States and non-State actors. The Board will be invited to note the report and to decide if and when the
proposed new approach should be tested and evaluated before permanent changes are considered.
Further to the Board’s request in decision EB144(3) (2019), the Director-General will submit several
recommendations drawn up after an informal consultation with Member States on governance reform in September
2019, aimed at reducing the number of items on governing body agendas, and consolidating and managing
reporting requirements on similar subjects. The report will also describe an approach to regional inputs into global
strategies and action plans. The Board will be invited to consider a draft decision.
EB146/1 (annotated)
6
In line with the Board’s request at its 145th session, the Director-General will submit revised draft guidelines for
Member States to post written statements for governing body sessions on the WHO website. The Board will be
invited to consider the revised draft guidelines and also, subject to any further guidance it may wish to provide,
consider a draft decision regarding their application on a trial basis.
22.2 Engagement with non-State actors
This item comprises the following two subitems.
• Report on the implementation of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors
In accordance with resolution WHA69.10 (2016) and subparagraph 68(a) of the Framework of Engagement with
Non-State Actors, the Director-General will submit an annual report on WHO’s implementation of the Framework
of Engagement with Non-State Actors. It will exemplify engagements with non-State actors and describe
implementation of the Framework. The Board will be invited to note the report.
• Non-State actors in official relations with WHO
In line with the provisions of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors, the Executive Board is
mandated, through its Programme, Budget and Administration Committee, to consider applications for admittance
of non-State actors into official relations and to review collaboration with one third of the non-State actors in
official relations in order to decide whether to maintain their official relations. The Board will be invited to note
the report and to consider a draft decision.
22.3 World health days
The Board at its 144th session noted a report on world health days. It also agreed that the Secretariat would finalize
a study on the cost-effectiveness of and rules for world health days and would submit a feasible proposal to the
Board at a future session. The Director-General’s report will outline such a proposal. The Board will be invited to
note the report and provide comments on the proposed approach.
22.4 Provisional agenda of the Seventy-third World Health Assembly and date and place of the
147th session of the Executive Board
23. Management matters
23.1 Evaluation: update and proposed workplan for 2020–2021
The Evaluation Office’s report will describe progress in implementing the evaluation workplan for the biennium
2018–2019 and set out the proposed evaluation workplan for the biennium 2020‒2021. The latter incorporates
both the corporate and decentralized evaluations planned and developed through consultation at senior
management level across the Organization and discussed with the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory
Committee. The Board will be invited to note the report and approve the proposed workplan.
The Board will also be invited to note a report on a review of 40 years of primary health care implementation at
country level produced in response to a request by the Board at its 142nd session.
The Evaluation Office will further submit a report on the initial evaluation of the implementation of the Framework
of Engagement with Non-State Actors for the Board’s consideration.
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23.2 Evaluation of the election of the Director-General of the World Health Organization
The Board at its 144th session decided to postpone discussion of the item on the evaluation of the election of the
Director-General to its 146th session and requested the Secretariat to organize informal consultations during the
intersessional period. Accordingly, the Secretariat convened two informal consultations in relation to this matter.
The Chairperson’s summary report on the outcome of the informal consultations and the proposed way forward
will be transmitted to the Board for its consideration. The Board will be invited to consider possible adjustments
to the election process for the Director-General and a draft decision to that effect.
23.3 Update on the Infrastructure Fund
• Information management and technology
In response to the request by the Health Assembly in decision WHA70(16) (2017) and that of the Programme,
Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board at its twenty-fifth meeting (January 2017), the
Director-General will submit an update on progress in information management and technology in WHO. The
report will describe the strategy on information management and technology that was revised following
implementation of WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019–2023. The realigned strategy focuses
on eight key areas, which are underpinned by a set of key initiatives. Updates on the governance structure and the
investments by the Infrastructure Fund in information technology will also be presented. The Board will be invited
to note the report and provide further guidance.
• Geneva buildings renovation strategy
In response to the reporting request in decision WHA69(18), the Director-General will submit a report with an
update on the status of the construction of a new building at headquarters and renovations of the main building,
including details of the progress made against previously reported timelines and cost updates. The Board will be
invited to note the report and to consider a draft decision.
24. Committees of the Executive Board
24.1 Membership of the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee
The Director-General will submit a report on the process for selecting two new members of the Independent Expert
Oversight Advisory Committee. The Board will be invited to note the report and to approve the two candidates
proposed in an additional report.
24.2 Participation in the Programme Budget and Administration Committee
In response to the Board’s request at its 145th session, the Director-General will submit a report on attendance at
the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee in an observer capacity, which will include the legal and
practical considerations relating thereto. The Board will be invited to provide further guidance thereon and in
particular to consider options to address this matter.
24.3 Foundation committees and selection panels
The reports will provide a summary of the meetings of the selection panels and committees of the foundations for
the prizes to be awarded in 2020, including the nominations received, recommendations of the panels and/or
committees and an amendment to the Statutes of the Dr A.T. Shousha Foundation Prize.
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24.4 Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion
The report will contain a proposal by the Secretariat for the Selection Panel of the Nelson Mandela Award for
Health Promotion to be broadened to include an observer. A revised Statute will be submitted for the consideration
of the Board.
25. Staffing matters
25.1 Appointment of the Regional Director for Africa
The Regional Committee’s proposal to the Board for the reappointment of the Regional Director will be
transmitted to the Board for its consideration. The Board will be invited to consider a draft resolution.
25.2 Appointment of the Regional Director for Europe
The Regional Committee’s proposal to the Board for the appointment of the Regional Director will be transmitted
to the Board for its consideration. The Board will be invited to consider a draft resolution.
25.3 Statement by the representative of the WHO staff associations
25.4 Report of the Ombudsman
25.5 Human resources: update
The Director-General’s report will summarize the trends in the workforce and the new operating model for the
Organization that aligns the three levels around programmes, emergencies, business operations, and external
relations and governance. It will also describe recruitment and selection, the global internship programme,
performance management, staff learning and development, career pathways, mobility, and an enabling working
environment. The Board will be invited to note the report.
25.6 Amendments to the Staff Regulations and Staff Rules
Amendments to the Staff Rules made by the Director-General will be submitted for confirmation by the Board in
accordance with Staff Regulation 12.2. Proposed amendments to the Staff Regulations will be presented for
consideration by the Board for submission to the Seventy-third World Health Assembly. The Board will be invited
to consider three draft resolutions.
25.7 Report of the International Civil Service Commission
The Director-General will submit a report to the Board for its consideration containing details of the
recommendations of the International Civil Service Commission on the issues taken up by the Commission in
2019 to the United Nations General Assembly. The Board will be invited to note the report.
26. Matters for information
26.1 Reports of advisory bodies
• Expert committees and study groups
In compliance with Regulation 4.23 of the Regulations for Expert Advisory Panels and Committees, the Director-
General will submit a report on meetings of expert committees and study groups, including a summary of the
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recommendations contained in the reports of expert committees and observations on their significance for public
health policies and implications for the Organization’s programmes. The Board will be invited to note the report.
In addition, the Director-General will submit a report on expert advisory panels and their membership, as well as
on the meetings of expert committees that met in 2019.
27. Closure of the session
Note:
1. The Officers of the Executive Board met in Manila on 5 and 6 October 2019, with the Director-General
joining them by teleconference. Among other things, the meeting reviewed the draft provisional agenda of the
146th session of the Board to be held in February 2020, in accordance with Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure of
the Executive Board.
2. The Officers of the Executive Board agreed to recommend the following:
Changes and one new item proposed by the Secretariat1
Under Pillar 1: One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage
• to accept for addition to the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item proposed by
the Director-General on Universal health coverage: moving together to build a healthier world
Under Pillar 4: More effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries
• to add two bullet points under existing item 18.2 – Engagement with non-State actors – as follows:
Report on the implementation of the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA); and
Non-State actors in official relations with WHO
• to change the title of existing item 19.3 – Update on the infrastructure fund strategy – to read “Update
on the Geneva buildings renovation strategy”
Changes and new items proposed by the Member States1
Under Pillar 1: One billion more people benefitting from universal health coverage
• to merge and integrate into former item 7 – Follow-up to the political declaration of the third high-level
meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases – the
items proposed by the Governments of Iraq and Thailand on, respectively, Early detection of
noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors and Strengthening the control of harmful use of alcohol.
• to accept for addition to the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item on Preventable
blindness and impaired vision/vision for all, proposed by the Government of Indonesia, and the item on
Integrated people-centred eye care – proposed by the Governments of Australia, Austria, Burkina Faso,
Indonesia supported by the Member States of the South-East Asia Region, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore
and Tonga – merging them in a single standalone item.
1
The exact placement of new agenda items under the pillars will be the subject of a review to be undertaken by the
Deputy Director-General.
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• not to include on the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item proposed by the
Government of Iraq on Draft global integrated action plan for combatting means of spreading and
communicating the VAPE – including the electronic cigarette with nicotine, on the understanding that
the Secretariat would organize an informal briefing, involving the secretariat of the WHO Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control and technical experts, with aim of presenting the emerging scientific
evidence in this area. Ideally, this would be organized to coincide with a break during the Executive
Board’s 146th session.
• not to include on the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item proposed by the
Government of Guyana on Development of a new World Health Assembly resolution for rehabilitation
as the subject matter was already being dealt with through the recent mandate provided by
resolution WHA71.8 (2018) on improving access to assistive technology and the item on Healthy ageing
already on the agenda of the 146th session of the Executive Board.
• to accept for addition to the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item on Road map
on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) 2021–2030, proposed by the Governments of Brazil, Burkina Faso
and Togo, and the item on Neglected tropical diseases: extending the strategy to 2030, proposed by the
Government of the United Republic of Tanzania on behalf of the 47 Member States of the African Region,
the Governments of the United States of America, Costa Rica and Mexico and the European Union and
its 28 Member States, merging them in a single standalone item on Neglected tropical diseases.
• not to include on the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item proposed by the
Government of Sri Lanka on Patient Safety initiatives in achieving Universal Health Coverage as the
matter could be taken up with the global patient safety action plan, which is already due to be submitted
to the Executive Board at its 148th session in line with the reporting requirements of resolution WHA72.6
(2019).
• to accept for addition to the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item proposed by
the Government of Brazil on Global strategy and plan of action public health, innovation and intellectual
property.
• not to include on the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item proposed by the
Government of Peru on Declare the interest of Member States of WHO in the comprehensive
management of drinking water, the subject to be included under reporting on resolution WHA72.7 (2019)
on water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities.
• merge and defer to the 148th session of the Board the items proposed by the Governments of Peru and
South Africa on, respectively, Access to medicines and vaccines with emphasis on rare or orphan
diseases and Expanding access to effective medical treatments for cancer, including drugs, vaccines,
medical devices, diagnostics, assistive products, cell- and gene-based therapies, and other health
technologies.
• not to include on the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item proposed by the
Government of Peru on Nurturing care as the subject was discussed recently at the Seventy-second World
Health Assembly under the item on Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health
(2016–2030).
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Under Pillar 2: One billion more people better protected from health emergencies
• to include within existing item 12.2 – WHO’s work in health emergencies – reporting on the items
proposed by the Governments of Iraq and Russian Federation on, respectively, Rehabilitation of the
health system after crisis and WHO’s role as the health cluster lead in humanitarian emergencies.
• to accept the request from the Governments of United States of America and Brazil that the title of
existing item 12.3 be changed to read “Influenza Preparedness.”
Under Pillar 3: One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being
• to merge and integrate into existing item 14 – Decade of Healthy Ageing – the items proposed by the
Government of Peru on Focus on the life-course and Life-course of persons between 30 and 59.
• to defer to the 148th session of the Board the item proposed by the Government of Peru on Social
determinants of health so that the necessary preliminary work can be undertaken.
• to accept for addition to the provisional agenda of the 146th session of the Board the item on Accelerating
efforts on food safety proposed by the Governments of the United States of America, Member States of
the European Union, Japan, Canada, Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Member States of the Africa
Group.
Under Pillar 4: More effective and efficient WHO providing better support to countries
• to merge and integrate into existing item 16 – Data and innovation: global strategy on digital health –
the items proposed by the Government of India on Status of the global digital health strategy 2020–2024
and Discussion on the potential of a hosted partnership on digital health in accordance with the World
Health Assembly resolution on partnerships (resolution WHA63.10 (2010)).
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