Nalinda Jayatissa Heads to WHO Assembly as Biden Faces Cancer Battle
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has left for Switzerland to attend the WHO’s 78th assembly focused on global health. Meanwhile, former President Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, prompting widespread political support. Today marks the War Heroes’ commemoration in Sri Lanka with special traffic arrangements.
Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, our Minister of Health and Mass Media, has departed for Switzerland to attend the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), which is set to start on May 19 in Geneva. The theme for this year’s assembly is “One World for Health,” highlighting the importance of global cooperation in health matters. Health ministers from WHO member states, plus more than 5,000 delegates representing various global health sectors, are expected to be in attendance.
The assembly will facilitate discussions on a variety of health-related issues with representatives from multiple countries. Delegates will review proposals, research data, and ideas to make key decisions aimed at enhancing global health over the coming year. This engaging platform aims to tackle the pressing health challenges faced worldwide.
Sri Lanka’s delegation to WHA78 includes key figures such as Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Himali Arunathilaka, and the mission’s First Secretary, Nishanthini Victor, making for a well-rounded team.
In a notable domestic health news, former U.S. President Joe Biden, at the age of 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has aggressively spread to his bones, as announced by his office recently. The diagnosis came after he experienced urinary symptoms, and it was confirmed just last Friday, with details surfacing over the weekend.
Biden’s diagnosis has a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a high-grade cancer which could spread quickly. According to Cancer Research UK, this is indeed concerning. However, his office mentioned that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which might allow for effective management of his condition. Biden and his family are currently evaluating treatment options.
In a statement issued following the news, Biden’s office emphasized the seriousness of the diagnosis. The former president was recently seen for a prostate nodule after he started noticing more urinary symptoms. In light of these developments, he’s received an outpouring of support from fellow politicians.
Former President Donald Trump expressed his condolences through a social media message, conveying his best wishes to Biden and his family for a speedy and successful recovery. On a similar note, former Vice-President Kamala Harris shared her thoughts on X, indicating her prayers for Biden, praising him as a fighter who will address this challenge head-on.
Barack Obama also weighed in, saying he and his wife Michelle are thinking of the Biden family. He recalled Biden’s commitment to advancing cancer treatments during his time in office, highlighting his tenacity and grace in confronting difficulties. Biden was entrusted with leading initiatives focused on cancer research during Obama’s presidency.
Meanwhile, a significant event is taking place today (May 19) in Sri Lanka—the 16th National War Heroes’ commemoration ceremony at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardhanapura, arranged under the oversight of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The event starts at 4:00 pm and will precede a tailored traffic plan around the Battaramulla area.
The Sri Lanka Police have stated that no road closures are expected; however, should there be heavy traffic, some vehicle movements along Parliament Road might be restricted. To alleviate congestion, alternative routes have been devised for both entering and exiting vehicles in Colombo to smoothly facilitate attendees to and from the event.
In summary, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa’s trip to the WHO assembly marks a significant step for Sri Lanka as global health challenges are discussed. Meanwhile, former President Biden’s aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis has gathered nationwide and bipartisan support, reflecting concern across political lines. This week also highlights Sri Lanka’s ongoing respect for its war heroes, as the annual commemoration occurs today amidst traffic management measures.
Original Source: srilankamirror.com
