Date: 19-24 May 2008
Location: Geneva, Switzerland

The 61st session of the World Health Assembly is taking place in Geneva during 19-24 May 2008. At this session, the Health Assembly is discussing a number of public health issues, including:

• pandemic influenza preparedness: sharing of influenza viruses and access to vaccines and other benefits;
• prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, implementation of the global strategy;
• public health, innovation and intellectual property: draft global strategy and plan of action;
• female genital mutilation;
• strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol; and
• climate change and health.

The Health Assembly will also discuss the programme budget, administration and management matters of WHO.