Geneva: Algeria-Led Resolution on Including Palestine in International Health Regulations Adopted
ALGIERS – A draft resolution submitted by Algeria and other countries calling for the inclusion of the State of Palestine under the framework of the International Health Regulations (IHR) was overwhelmingly adopted on Thursday during the 78th World Health Assembly, according to a statement from the National Agency for Health Security.
The statement noted that “on May 22, 2025, during the proceedings of the 78th World Health Assembly, Algeria, along with South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Tunisia, and Turkey, submitted a draft resolution aimed at including the State of Palestine within the scope of the 2005 International Health Regulations and consolidating its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO) in line with its recognized status within the United Nations.”
The source added that “the Zionist entity attempted to oppose the resolution, citing reasons related to its non-recognition of Palestine as an independent state. However, the Assembly opted for a vote in which 144 member states participated.”
As a result — the statement continued — “the resolution was adopted with an overwhelming majority of 112 votes in favor, including Algeria, represented by Professor Kamel Sanhadji, Head of the National Agency for Health Security, against just two votes in opposition, while 19 members abstained.”
It is worth recalling that the WHO General Assembly had previously adopted another resolution submitted by the Arab Group during the same session, calling for the lifting of the blockade and restrictions on the entry of medicines and medical supplies, ensuring freedom of movement for patients, and strengthening the Palestinian health system.
