According to Mykhailo Radutskyi, Chairman of the Committee on National Health, Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance, the Ukrainian delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva held a number of meetings to strengthen international cooperation in the medical field and ensure further support for our country.
«It is very important that Ukraine takes part in the Assembly. We are among the countries which make the key decisions and approve next steps on a global level. This is an opportunity not only to state our needs, but also to share experience, which Ukraine got during the war. Participation in such events like this one is strengthening the position of our country in the international medical community», - highlighted Mykhailo Radutskyi.
One of the events on the first day was titled: “Shaping the Future of School Meals: Lessons from Reform in Ukraine, Global Policies, and Commitments.”
In 2019, at the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska, the development and implementation of the Strategy for the Reform of the School Nutrition System began. By 2021, nutritional standards in educational institutions were updated, a professional standard for “School Cook” was approved, and subsequently, a recipe collection for school cafeterias was introduced.
The Ukrainian delegation presented the results of systematic reform in Ukraine and shared the experience with partners. The changes include the modernisation of infrastructure, the creation of culinary hubs and the introduction of modern catering models. Compliance with the updated standards helps to reduce the risk of developing obesity-related diseases and maintain a healthy weight.
Mykhailo Radutskyi informed partners that two draft laws have been registered in the Verkhovna Rada, aiming to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, including mineral and carbonated drinks containing sugar and other sweeteners. The proposed tax rate is €0.10 (approximately 4 UAH) per liter, with the generated revenue intended to fund programs for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by regular consumption of such beverages, as well as to support the school meals program. The experience of other countries shows that introducing excise taxes on sugary drinks helps reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity.
Additionally, the Verkhovna Rada has adopted the following laws:
Law No. 1822-IX, which harmonizes Ukraine’s legislation on child nutrition with EU standards, and
Law No. 5148, aimed at improving the quality of food products consumed by children.
Since October 2023, a new order from the Ministry of Health has come into effect, setting a limit on trans fatty acids in food products (excluding naturally occurring animal-based trans fats), which must not exceed 2 grams per 100 grams of total fat content. This measure effectively brings national legislation in line with European food safety standards.
The primary goal of the school nutrition reform is to promote healthy habits and ensure equal access to quality meals for all children. Ukraine is actively cooperating with international partners: it has joined the Global School Meals Coalition and hosted the European Regional Summit, which brought together 500 participants from 20 countries.
The Ukrainian delegation called on partners to support the integration of quality nutrition into national strategies for recovery, education, and healthcare.
During a meeting with the Minister of Health of Türkiye, Kemal Memişoğlu, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministries of Health of the two countries. The document outlines a multi-tiered cooperation in areas such as public health, pharmaceuticals, medical education, digital solutions, medical technologies, and emergency response.
The Ukrainian delegation also held meetings with Ashley Dalton, Minister and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health and Prevention of the United Kingdom, Miloška Kolar Celarc, Minister of Health of Slovenia, as well as with delegations from Norway, Sweden, Libya, Germany, and representatives of the Sovereign Order of Malta.