NEW YORK: Kuwait is working to draft a convention that would enshrine in international law the principles of dignity, protection, and equal access to diagnosis, care, and treatment for people with rare diseases, said the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tariq Al-Bannai.This came in a speech delivered by Ambassador Al-Bannai late Friday during the celebration of the second anniversary of World Awareness Day for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the UN headquarters.
Al-Bannai stated that the agreement will enhance research cooperation, data exchange, and health system capacity in each region regarding this rare disease. It will also ensure that the lived experiences, especially those of families affected by the disease, are the basis for policy design and implementation, he added.
This process is “comprehensive and long-term” to build regional consensus, engage health organizations as partners, and secure the broad political support necessary for its adoption and implementation, Al-Bannai added. He also called on all delegations to join Kuwait in this endeavour through constructive engagement and ongoing dialogue. The State of Kuwait submitted this resolution, which was adopted unanimously after receiving the support of 128 member states, the highest number of sponsors for a draft resolution during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. — KUNA
