The Israeli Medical Association was represented at the 223rd Council session of the World Medical Association (WMA) by our president, Prof Zion Hagay; CEO, Adv. Leah Wapner and International Relations Officer, Michelle Glekin. The meeting was held from the 20th to the 22nd of April in Nairobi, Kenya.
During the meeting, Prof Hagay was elected to be Chair of the WMA standing Committee on Socio-Medico Affairs. In his nomination speech, Prof Hagay stated that “Social issues and differences in equality are close to my own heart, as well as how to address the different cultural aspects across country, across continent, and across generation.”
In addition, to Prof Hagay’s election, Dr. Jack Resneck from the American Medical Association was elected as Chair of the Committee of Finance and Planning; Dr. Steinunn Thόrharhόttir from the Icelandic Medial Association was elected as Chair of the Medical Ethics Committee; Dr. Jung Yul Park from the Korean Medical Association was elected as Chair of Council; Dr. Tohru Kakuta from the Japan Medical Association was re-elected Vice Chair of Council and Mr. Rudolf Henke from the German Medical Association was elected Treasurer of the World Medical Association. We wish all newly elected official congratulations and success in their new positions. We truly look forward to working more closely with them.
There were also three new workgroups established at the meeting on the Environment, Epidemics and Pandemics, and Human Sexuality. We look forward to hearing the results of these new workgroups at the next meeting.
The Israeli Medical Association is an active participant in the WMA workgroups on Advocacy and Communications, Review Committee, Declaration of Helsinki (DoH) and Health Emergencies. The IMA is also the chair of the workgroup on Medical Technology.
After a few days of long discussions, the participants were able to enjoy the social events put on by the WMA and the Kenyan Medical Association. This began with a welcome reception at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, where the participants were able to see Nairobi city and enjoy some wonderful traditional treats. After the meeting, the participants were treated to a safari drive at the Nairobi National Park. This is Kenya’s first game reserve and the only protected area in the world that sits so close to a nation’s capital. The participants were able to spot black rhinos, lions, giraffe, and zebra, as well as some 400 bird species. The tour of the beautiful wildlife culminated with a dinner at the Kenya Wildlife Services clubhouse inside the National Park where guests enjoyed a delicious meal together with bonfires and Kenyan traditional dances under the moonlight.