ASA/WFSA-supported ‘essential surgical care and anaesthesia’ resolution passes at WHO Assembly

ASA President J.P. Abenstein, M.S.E.E., M.D., addressed delegates at the 68th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 21. Dr. Abenstein delivered the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) statement in favor of World Health Assembly Resolution 68/31, which seeks to produce immediate, tangible results to help meet the needs of the more than 2 billion people who do not have access to safe, affordable surgical and anesthesia care. Dr. Abenstein spoke as a representative of ASA and member of the WFSA delegation, joining numerous surgical and anesthesiology organizations that backed the resolution. WFSA has official liaison with the WHO.