Press release
Taoiseach welcomes World Health Organisation Director General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus to Ireland
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today welcomed World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, to Dublin for discussions on the strengthened partnership between Ireland and the WHO across a range of global and domestic health areas.
They also discussed the appalling and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, and all are agreed for the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Dr. Tedros, who is accompanied by Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, this morning met with President Michael D. Higgins before being welcomed to Government Buildings by the Taoiseach.
The WHO delegation will meet with a number of Government Ministers, including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister Stephen Donnelly, Minister Roderic O’Gorman, Minister of State Mary Butler and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte. Minister of State Sean Fleming will host a gathering of representatives from the Irish global health community at Iveagh House, which will include a keynote address from Dr. Tedros.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said:
"It is a privilege to welcome Dr. Tedros to Ireland, and to welcome Dr. Ryan back home. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated in no uncertain terms, the importance of the World Health Organisation and the central role it plays in promoting and securing health and well-being for all, on a global scale.
"At this time of year, we are particularly mindful of WHO staff working to provide critical healthcare in areas of humanitarian crisis and conflict. The WHO is showing real leadership in Gaza and its staff is playing a vital role in exceptionally difficult circumstances on the ground there, helping to save lives and alleviate enormous suffering.
"This visit is an important opportunity to affirm and strengthen Ireland’s partnership with the WHO and express our gratitude for WHO staff all over the world."
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said:
“The World Health Organisation plays a vital role in preventing and controlling disease, and strengthening health systems around the world. Recognising the importance public health measures globally, and in the light of increasing health needs arising from conflict and crisis, Ireland is significantly increasing its support for the WHO. This year we will invest approximately €10 million in supporting the work of the World Health Organisation around the world. This funding is particularly targeted at healthcare in humanitarian settings and programmes aimed at tackling child malnutrition. Building this partnership is a core focus of Ireland’s support for improving global health.”
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus said:
“I am honoured to be afforded this visit to Ireland and meet President Higgins, Taoiseach Varadkar and Tánaiste Martin. It offered me the opportunity to thank them for the country’s close friendship with WHO, and commitment to promoting and protecting the health of people at home and abroad. Ireland plays a powerful role in advocating for peace and equity in health globally, and has provided vital assistance to WHO’s work around the world.”
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said:
"The WHO plays a vital leadership role in the global health architecture and together with Ireland and its Member States, is working hard to secure an international treaty to provide for the timely and coordinated management of future pandemics. It is important that we grasp this once in a generation opportunity. We know the world is watching, the stakes are high, and time is of the essence. Ireland recognises that we must not miss this opportunity.”