Minister Nalinda Jayatissa Attends WHO Assembly as Biden Faces…

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa is in Switzerland for the 78th WHO Assembly. Meanwhile, Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Additionally, Sri Lanka commemorates war heroes while dealing with controversies surrounding a former official.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, departed for Switzerland on May 18 to participate in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This annual event is set to take place in Geneva from May 19 until May 27, with the focal theme being “One World for Health.”

The assembly anticipates the attendance of health ministers from all WHO member states, including over 5,000 delegates representing various sectors of the global health community. During this time, extensive discussions will occur, allowing representatives from multiple nations to share proposals and research data aimed at shaping decisions and strategies for enhancing global health conditions for the upcoming year.

Dr. Jasinghe, the Secretary of the Health Ministry, is among those accompanying Dr. Jayatissa in the Sri Lankan delegation to WHA78. The delegation also includes Himali Arunathilaka, who serves as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, as well as Nishanthini Victor, the mission’s First Secretary.

In other news, former U.S. President Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, according to a statement from his office dated Sunday. This diagnosis followed a doctor’s visit concerning urinary issues just the previous week.

Biden’s cancer is identified as aggressive, boasting a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, placing it in the high-grade category. Consequently, the prognosis entails potential rapid spread of the disease, as noted by Cancer Research UK. The Biden family is presently in discussion over treatment options, and it has been indicated that the cancer is hormone-sensitive, which might allow for feasible management strategies.

On Sunday, Biden’s office informed the public via a statement: “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterised by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

Support for Biden has poured in from various political figures following the news of his diagnosis. President Donald Trump expressed his sympathies on his social media platform, stating he and First Lady Melania Trump were “saddened to hear” of Biden’s condition, extending wishes for a swift recovery.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also shared sentiments on X, underlining her prayers for Biden’s family. “Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership,” she mentioned.

Moreover, Barack Obama, who served alongside Biden from 2009 to 2017, conveyed his thoughts on X, saying that he and Michelle were “thinking of the entire Biden family.” He noted Biden’s significant contributions to cancer treatment advancements, expressing confidence in his “trademark resolve and grace” in facing this health challenge.

In Sri Lanka, today marks the 16th National War Heroes’ commemoration ceremony, set to take place at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardhanapura under the auspices of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, beginning at 4:00 p.m. To ensure traffic management, police have announced a special plan for the Battaramulla area.

Although no roads will officially close, police indicate that if congestion arises, movement may be restricted on Parliament Road. For the convenience of motor vehicles, alternative route recommendations have been made. Those exiting Colombo are advised to travel from Polduwa Junction to Battaramulla Junction, then proceed to Kiyayam Junction. Conversely, vehicles entering Colombo should take Kiyayam to Palam Thuna Junction before heading to Battaramulla.

Continuing in legal news, former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage is in a precarious situation with an arrest warrant issued against him. His legal representation has reached out to the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) via a formal letter, the contents of which are detailed in Sinhala.

As various topics unfold in both health and political spheres, stakeholders and the public alike await further developments.

In summary, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa is attending WHO’s significant health assembly, focusing on global health initiatives. Concurrently, former President Biden’s cancer diagnosis raises health concerns, drawing support from across the political spectrum. Simultaneously, Sri Lanka prepares for the War Heroes’ commemoration amidst legal issues facing a former minister, highlighting the country’s current events in health, politics, and governance.

Original Source: srilankamirror.com