Havana, April 22 (RHC) – Cuba will preside for the first time over the World Health Assembly which, in its 67th edition, will be held from the 19th to the 24th of May in Geneva, according to the Cuban Health Ministry.

Dr. Antonio González, head of the international agencies department of that ministry explained that the selection of the island as head of the world forum is largely due to its outstanding results in the field of health care as well as the great impact health care services on the island have on the quality of life of its citizens.

Cuba has virtually fulfilled all of the Millennium Development Goals, as infant mortality last year was 4.2 per thousand live births, the lowest in the Americas, as well as a mother mortality of 21 per 100,000, which is among the lowest in Latin America, he stressed.

It also valid to highlight that epidemics such as AIDS and tuberculosis are under control, while others like malaria, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and rubella have been eradicated through massive vaccination campaigns.

Speaking about the upcoming WHO meeting, Gonzalez said its agenda, which covers 67 points and 17 resolutions, has already been approved by the WHO Executive Board,which is comprised of 34 countries.