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The author comments on a worldwide shift in polio vaccines for routine immunisation. She says that an estimated 350,000 paralytic cases happened and 125 countries were regarded endemic in 1988 when the World Health Assembly focused on complete eradication of polio. She adds that as of September 8, 2015, only 39 cases have been detected in two countries.

The article reports on the death of Director General Lee Jong-wook of the World Health Organization (WHO), on the morning of the World Health Assembly. WHO continues to function and has maintained momentum due to Lee's management style and also in the way WHO is finding solutions to global health problems. The H5N1 avian influenza has caused WHO to use direct engagement in the voluntary implementation of the revised International Health Regulations. Potential epidemics are now detected through improved surveillance and early warning systems. Reforms introduced by Lee include the 10-Year global health agenda, Engaging for Health, for WHO, its Member States, and partners. Preparedness for natural disasters--climactic, seismic or infectious--are discussed.

The article reports on the 70th World Health Assembly (WHA) which coincides with the history and development of the NCD Alliance (NCDA) and the noncommunicable disease advocacy. It states that WHA was lunched by NCDA in 2009 under the three international non-governmental organisations. It also states that the organizations are having shared agenda in tackling the common risk factors, strengthen health systems and generate political priority.

The article provides information on inequalities against women engaged in World Health Organization's political space. Topics discussed include actions needed to establish gender equality in global health, women in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and Ministers of Health, and United Nations System Wide Action Plan (SWAP).

A letter to the editor is presented about the failure of World Health Assembly (WHA) to resolve violence against women and children.

The author comments on the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) which was established by the World Health Assembly and how it offers lessons of broader relevance as the world prepares for the post-2015 era. She considers EPI having some advantages from the outset, including the prevention of childhood deaths, but its success must be attributed to more than these advantages, having encouraged new models of international cooperation.

The authors discusses the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2013. The objectives of the action plan include strengthening effective leadership and governance for mental health. It is asserted that the action plan is a formal recognition of the importance of mental health for the 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The author discusses the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) worldwide. He examines the developments in the goal by the World Health Assembly to reduce avoidable mortality from NCDs by 25% worldwide by 2025. He claims that the global governments fail to translate such goals into real political action. Among the NCDs are heart disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease.

The author focuses on the start of the phoney war at the World Health Organization (WHO). Topics discussed include the conclusion of the World Health Assembly by physician Margaret Chan, the desire of Philippe Douste-Blazy of France for the position as director general, and the strong track record of civil society activist Sania Nishtar.

The article offers information on the 69th World Health Assembly (WHA) to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in May 2016 and notes that topics to be discussed include global health security.

The author calls for improved surveillance of diseases associated with air pollution. He discusses the resolution issued by the World Health Assembly (WHA) which addresses the importance of air quality for global health and talks about how heat waves can cause health problems and even deaths. He also discusses the need for countries to implement programs aimed at mitigating air pollution and at fighting climate change to improve global health.

In this article the author discusses the actions of the delegates from Thailand at the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) held in Geneva, Switzerland in May 2011. He is critical on the delegate's diplomatic intervention which might leave their country less credible and less influential in the world of global health. Also investigated is the achievements and failures of the WHO Director-General Margaret Chan.

The author comments on remarks made by Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, at the 61st World Health Assembly. Chan discussed her views on three topics she considered threats to international security: the global food crisis, pandemic influenza, and climate change. The author describes Chan as an effective communicator. Chan's ability to deliver on her vision for primary health care is questioned.