In addition to its focus on advocating for better neurological health at the level of European Union, lately EFNA has been expanding its efforts to encompass global health agenda in areas such as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Universal Health Coverage (UHC) or health related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With this in mind, EFNA representative Tadeusz Hawrot, Senior Advocacy Coordinator, attended parts of the World Health Assembly (WHA) taking place in the UN Geneva Headquarters on May 20 – 28 2019. This included a dedicated session where member states discussed NCDs related priorities, a number of side events as well as individual meetings with various stakeholders in attendance.

EFNA also endorsed a joint statement co-signed by various NGOs calling WHO and member states to strengthen their response to address NCDs which are currently not sufficiently included in global priorities.

The WHA is the decision-making body of World Health Organization (WHO). It is attended by delegations from WHO Member States (193 countries) and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. Its main functions are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.