Statement by the representative of Belarus at the 154th session of the WHO Executive Board

Ms. Chairperson!

Thank you for the comprehensive and multidimensional report.

The health care system of Belarus is an integral part of our socially oriented state. Our country firmly and consistently demonstrates the political will to make progress towards universal health coverage.

Progress of Belarus in achieving Sustainable Development Goal No. 3 (Ensure healthy lifestyles and promote well-being for all at all ages) is quite significant. The Belarusian State provides universal access to health care services, medicines, vaccines and medical equipment. According to the latest National Statistical Agency (Belstat) data, the coverage of essential health services (indicator 3.8.1. of SDG No. 3) is 87 per cent.

The existing network of health-care organisations makes it possible to ensure accessibility of medical care to the population, regardless of the region of residence. The availability of hospital beds remains high, with 103.7 per 10 thousand inhabitant  and ensures high accessibility of hospital care.

The project “Caring Polyclinic” is being successfully implemented, thus creating a comfortable environment for patients.

The institute of the general practitioner has been introduced in outpatient and polyclinic organisations in all regions, with a team consisting of a doctor, a doctor's assistant and a general practice nurse.

High-tech diagnostic methods are widely used.

At the same time, problems with the supply of medicines and medical equipment associated with the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Belarus have increased as a negative external factor. This is detrimental to the most vulnerable groups that depend on State support.

Here are just a few examples:

The Swedish company Molnlycke Health Care refuses to supply Belarus with dressings needed for palliative treatment of children suffering from the congenital genetic disease Epidermolysis bullosa. Molnlycke Health Care's products are key to alleviating the pain and suffering of children.

Since 2022 the Polish company Tarchomin Pharmaceutical Works Polfa S.A. has stopped supplying Belarus with Clonazepam, Relium and other medicines necessary for treatment of epilepsy and somatic diseases.

The British company Atnahs Pharma UK Limited has stopped supplying Bonviva and Rockaltrol which are used to treat peoples with osteoporosis.

The Finnish company Orion Corporation has stopped supplying drugs used for treatment of Parkinson's disease and various forms of cancer.

The UK supervisory body (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) delayed issuing an export license which would allow to supply Belarus morphine tablets used to relieve patients suffering from oncological diseases and consequences of severe traumas.

Sadly, that list continues to expand.

These examples confirm that politically motivated sanctions block access to a number of essential medicines for the most vulnerable: children, the elderly, people suffering from cancer and other serious diseases.

How does this go in line with the so-called principle of “humanitarian exemptions” to sanctions declared by Western countries?

I am sure that not only Belarus but also many other countries under Western sanctions face similar problems.

We urge WHO to focus on the impact of sanctions on access to essential medicines for those in need. We would appreciate your assistance in addressing and preventing the critical situation resulting from the UCM (unilateral coercive measures), which have a negative impact on access to health care.

Thank you for your attention.

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