International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985, firmly believes the health imperative to avoid nuclear war is as urgent as it has ever been.

The World Health Assembly, considering WHO’s 1983 and 1987 reports, concluded unanimously that nuclear weapons constitute the greatest immediate threat to the health and welfare of humankind.

New developments since the last report reinforce the need to re-establish WHO’s mandate to provide authoritative and current evidence on this risk to human survival and the stability of Earth systems.

We strongly support the resolution “Effects of Nuclear War on Public Health” and congratulate sponsoring states.

134 medical journals worldwide have just published a joint editorial strongly endorsing the resolution before you.

We urge delegations to approve this vital proposal.

Thank you.