STATEMENT
79th World Health Assembly, 18 - 23 May 2026
Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services
Item 22 - Matters for information: progress reports
Norway’s National Statement
Thank you, Chair.
On sexual and reproductive health, we use this opportunity to reiterate Norway’s support to WHOs work. Access to sexual and reproductive health services is vital and the HRP and WHO’s evidence based, and human rights based global guidelines and tools are important for quality services and cost-effectiveness in member states health systems.
Many countries are affected by the reduced ODA and are experiencing financial cuts to SRHR. Research, data and sexual and reproductive health services for all are essential for countries ability to thrive and for their sustainable development.
Chair,
Norway would also like to thank the Secretariat for the report on the public health dimension of the world drug problem.
This year’s negotiations in the CND in Vienna demonstrated both the complexity of, and the scope for progress on this matter.
The fact that nations with differing political and legal frameworks were able to agree on consensus language on controversial issues, embedded in a comprehensive approach with rehabilitation as the long‑term objective, represents an important step forward.
This underlines that a public health perspective is not an alternative to a comprehensive drug policy, but a prerequisite for it. Such an approach encompasses prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction and social inclusion, grounded in scientific evidence and in line with human rights.
WHO plays a crucial role in providing normative guidance, evidence and technical support to Member States and Norway fully supports this work.
Thank you.