The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), the annual meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States, concluded on Tuesday after eight days of discussions, highlighting key global health achievements and solidarity.
Held from May 19 to May 27, the Assembly, which is WHO’s highest decision-making body, addressed nearly 75 health-related issues. Under the theme “One World for Health,” Member States engaged in lively debates, adopting impactful resolutions aimed at improving global health.
“This year’s World Health Assembly is truly historic,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, the approval of increased assessed contributions, and several other resolutions are proof that global cooperation can thrive even in challenging times.”
World’s First Pandemic Agreement: Ensuring Equity for All
On May 20, Member States adopted the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement, a milestone reached after more than three years of negotiations. This agreement seeks to prevent the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by fostering greater global coordination, equity, and access to health resources during future pandemics, while respecting national sovereignty.
In the coming year, Member States will further refine the agreement, with consultations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system (PABS), an annex that aims to ensure fair access to medical advancements.
Sustainable Financing: Securing the Future of Global Health
The Assembly also made strides in securing long-term funding for WHO’s vital work. Member States approved a second 20% increase in assessed contributions (ACs), which will cover half of WHO’s core budget by 2030-2031, ensuring more reliable and flexible funding.
At a high-level pledging event, health leaders committed at least US$ 210 million for WHO’s global health strategy for the next four years, adding to the US$ 1.7 billion already raised. This progress brings WHO closer to its goal of a more diverse donor base as part of the Director-General’s transformation agenda.
Key Resolutions and Decisions
WHA78 tackled a range of health challenges, adopting several resolutions to address ongoing and emerging issues:
- A new resolution highlighting the global health financing emergency.
- The first-ever resolutions on lung and kidney health, focusing on noncommunicable diseases.
- A resolution targeting air pollution, aiming to cut its health impacts by half by 2040.
- A new initiative to promote social connections, based on growing evidence linking it to better health and longevity.
- A resolution calling for a lead-free future and improved care for those affected by rare diseases, protecting the 300 million people living with them.
- Expanded provisions to address the marketing of baby food and formula, particularly in the digital space.
The Assembly also adopted resolutions on digital health, medical imaging, nursing, midwifery, and sensory impairments. Additionally, two new WHO health campaigns were launched: World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and World Prematurity Day.
Strengthening Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
WHO’s response to global health emergencies was another focus of the Assembly. Over the past year, WHO addressed 51 graded emergencies across 89 countries, including cholera outbreaks, mpox, and various humanitarian crises. Climate change was identified as a significant factor, with nearly 60% of new emergencies being climate-related.
Member States praised WHO’s leadership in health emergencies and supported strengthening global health emergency systems. The Assembly also reviewed WHO’s progress in implementing the International Health Regulations (2005) and approved a resolution to enhance research on public health measures for controlling outbreaks.
As WHO continues to navigate the challenges of global health, the outcomes of WHA78 demonstrate a renewed commitment to equity, preparedness, and sustainable health solutions for all.
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