On 25 May 2017, Thailand as Chair of Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative (FPGH) and its members comprised of Brazil, France, Norway, Indonesia, Senegal and South Africa joined hands with Japan, the Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Iran organized a seminar on “Addressing the Health of the Most Vulnerable for Inclusive Society” on the margin of the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The side event was moderated by H.E. Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva and the keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Timothy Evans, Senior Director, Health, Nutrition & population Global Practice, World Bank.  

The objectives of the seminar were to share countries’ experiences in addressing health in different social contexts, as well as, to stress the importance of universal health coverage which was one of the methods for addressing the health of the most vulnerable. In the discussion, Thailand presented about universal health coverage which covers migrant workers and stateless persons while France talked about sexual and reproductive health promotion in order to address problems among women children and adolescents. In addition, Indonesia talked about the challenges of providing universal health coverage for the most vulnerable such as people in remote areas, disabled persons, homeless persons, patients with chronic diseases, etc. At the same time, Brazil talked about unified health system which covered indigenous persons. Furthermore, Norway presented Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)’s accomplishment which developed vaccines to contain infectious diseases which would be also beneficial for the most vulnerable. Besides, Japan stressed that universal health coverage is not for charity but for upholding justice and served as a starting point of people happiness. Finally, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that in addressing the health challenges, it is necessary to establish quality healthcare system and need to have collaboration from all stakeholders.  

This seminar was an opportunity to show Thailand’s leadership in urging participants to recognize the benefit and importance of addressing the health of the most vulnerable in societies as well as to share Thailand’s best practices in order to leave no one behind. The seminar was attended by over 80 representatives from many countries as well as civil societies.