Let me begin by expressing Israel’s appreciation to the Secretary General for releasing his report on Global Health and Foreign Policy. It makes clear that each and every government has a responsibility to integrate the goals and objectives of global health into their foreign policy.

The report also focuses on the importance of partnerships in achieving better health outcomes. As Charles Darwin said, “In the long history of humankind, those who learned to collaborate most effectively have prevailed.”

We must confront health challenges together because diseases do not discriminate. A health crisis in one country can easily spread to others in its region and often, well beyond.  In our region, we are dedicated to working with our neighbors to promote long term health and implement action plans in the event of a disease outbreak. One example is the Middle East Consortium on Infectious Disease Surveillance, a regional initiative bringing together Israelis, Jordanians and Palestinians in an effort to prevent the spread of infectious disease and food-borne illness.

The linkage between health, prosperity and security is clear. Promoting global health helps to reduce poverty and inequality; advances stability and security; and lays the foundation for economic progress and growth. These issues are at the very core of the UN’s mission.

Madam President,

Promoting good health has always been a priority for Israel. When the State was established in 1948, a significant national health infrastructure was already in place. Israel has focused on developing innovative and effective solutions to meet the range of health challenges facing our population. In fact, Israel pioneered the practice of universal health care and our system has been used as a model for many other countries.

The Israeli government healthcare system has also benefited tremendously from partnerships. One example can be found at Israel’s iconic Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. Partnering with the Anglican Church of Australia, Project Rozana trains people of different faiths and backgrounds to assist Palestinian children by providing treatment and medical training.

Similarly, Israel’s Peres Peace Center currently operates a humanitarian project with the Palestinian pediatric community. Together they facilitate the referral of Palestinian babies and children to Israeli hospitals.  The network includes over 60 Israeli and Palestinian doctors bound by a common purpose.

For decades, Israel has provided its expertise, technology, medicine, and training to developing countries in the field of health. Much of this work is carried out by MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, civil society and the private sector.

In Ghana, Israel administers a network of community-based pre-natal and healthy-baby clinics, known as Tipat Chalav, which is Hebrew for "drop of milk." Initially developed for mothers and children in Israel, these clinics have proven highly effective in reducing child mortality and improving maternal health in Ghana.

For more than 50 years, Israel has sponsored eye clinics in countries where health facilities are inadequate. Israeli ophthalmologists travel throughout the developing world to treat people who suffer from blindness and poor eyesight as a result of cataracts, malnutrition, trauma and infections. These clinics have been set up all around the world – in Cameroon, Liberia, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and many others. Israel's ophthalmologists also train the local personnel, and leave behind equipment and supplies donated by the Government of Israel.

Madam President,

There is no question that global health must hold a central position in the post-2015 development agenda.

Health is the foundation upon which the three pillars of sustainable development are built. Healthy people are more likely to seek higher levels of education, to be financially independent and to contribute positively to the societies in which they live. Good health not only contributes to sustainable development, it is a powerful tool to measure our progress towards achieving sustainable development.

Looking beyond 2015, the international community must focus on improving the quality and quantity of data and, in particular, be able to disaggregate data so that our progress is measured in an effective manner. We believe that this is critical for reaching the most under-served individuals.

We also need to emphasize the importance of health systems. We have had remarkable success with disease-specific goals and interventions, but we need to devote specific attention to health systems. Strong and well-designed health systems are the frontline of defense for healthy, productive societies, and we need to find ways to hardwire the importance of health systems into our work.

Madam President,

We can learn from each other’s policies, but we are aware that there is not one solution for every nation. These issues should be addressed in foreign policy in order to assert the position of global health in the international agenda. Israel is dedicated to sharing its knowledge and also willing and able to learn from others. It is only from this perspective that together we will help improve the global health situation.

Thank you.