Nalinda Jayatissa Attends WHO Assembly; Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Cancer

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has left for Switzerland to attend the WHO’s 78th World Health Assembly, where health officials will discuss global health strategies. Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer, receiving widespread support from political peers. Meanwhile, Sri Jayawardhanapura prepares for a special traffic plan during the War Heroes’ commemoration today.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, has embarked on a journey to Switzerland as of May 18 to participate in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78). This assembly is hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva and is scheduled from May 19 to May 27. The theme for this year is “One World for Health.”

Health ministers from member states, along with over 5,000 delegates from various sectors of the global health community, are expected to gather for this significant event. During the assembly, attendees are set to engage in extensive discussions aimed at reviewing proposals and research data, ultimately making crucial decisions to enhance health conditions worldwide over the coming year.

The Sri Lankan delegation at WHA78 includes notable figures such as Health Ministry Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Himali Arunathilaka, as well as the mission’s First Secretary, Nishanthini Victor. Their participation underscores the importance of international collaboration for health advancements.

In other news, on May 19, former US President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, a situation disclosed by his office on Sunday. Biden, who is 82 years old and left office in January, sought medical attention last week due to worsening urinary symptoms.

The diagnosis has a Gleason score of 9, indicating a high-grade cancer with potential for quick spread. However, it has been noted that this form of cancer is hormone-sensitive, which may provide opportunities for management and treatment. Biden’s staff have reported that he and his family are currently evaluating treatment options.

A statement from his office detailed, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.” Support for Biden has poured in from both political sides following the news of his diagnosis, demonstrating a degree of bipartisan compassion.

Notably, former President Donald Trump extended his well wishes, stating that he and First Lady Melania Trump were “saddened” by Biden’s health situation. Additionally, former Vice-President Kamala Harris expressed her prayers for the Biden family, asserting, “Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”

Barack Obama, Biden’s former boss, also expressed solidarity, asserting he and Michelle are “thinking of the entire Biden family” and echoed sentiments of faith in Biden’s resilience, citing his relevant background in the cancer treatment domain.

Switching to local news, a special traffic plan is in effect today, May 19, in connection with the 16th National War Heroes’ commemoration ceremony. This event, presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is set for 4:00 PM at the National War Hero Cenotaph in Sri Jayawardhanapura.

According to the Sri Lanka Police, while no road closures will take place, traffic may be restricted due to potential congestion along Parliament Road between Polduwa Junction and Kiyayam Junction. To ease travel during this commemorative event, alternative routes have been suggested, aiming to minimize inconvenience for motorists.

For vehicles exiting Colombo, it is advised to take a route from Polduwa Junction to Battaramulla Junction, proceeding to Kiyayam Junction via Palam Thuna Junction. Conversely, for those entering Colombo, the route includes Kiyayam Junction to Palam Thuna Junction, directing travelers to Battaramulla Junction and then back to Colombo via Polduwa Junction.

Motorists are urged to adhere to police instructions and utilize the designated alternative routes to avoid delays. Lastly, in legal matters, Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s counsel has contacted the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) following an issued arrest warrant, highlighting ongoing investigations into corruption allegations.

In summary, both international and local matters have taken center stage recently, from Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa’s attendance at the WHO assembly in Switzerland aimed at improving global health to the concerning health situation of former President Joe Biden, who faces aggressive prostate cancer. Additionally, local traffic modifications are being implemented in Sri Jayawardhanapura for a national commemoration event honoring war heroes. Both situations highlight current health concerns and the ongoing importance of commemorative events in society.

Original Source: srilankamirror.com