Delegates gather for first day of the World Health Assembly in Geneva

Member states of the World Health Organization are discussing global medical and health issues at its annual assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday.

The assembly was attended by officials from 194 member states. The focus is also on whether the meeting could lead to the adoption of a pandemic treaty aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics. One of the major items on the agenda is revising the International Health Regulations, which provide a framework that defines countries' obligations in handling emergencies that have the potential to cross borders.