GENEVA (AFP) - The World Health Assembly on Saturday called on the world’s industrialised nations to promote research into diseases that plague developing countries.

“Research and development of developed countries should better reflect the health needs of developing countries,” said the adopted text.

Delegates from the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s 193 member states have been meeting at its supreme decision-making body’s annual assembly here this week.

Plans were also laid to secure “adequate and sustainable financing” for research and delivery of medical products to address the health needs of developing countries.

A separate resolution said that the WHO should take the strategy into consideration when developing its research plan.

Delegates earlier approved plans for a new strategy to curb the harmful effects of alcohol.

The World Health Assembly meets each year in May in Geneva.