Geneva, May 28, 2025 — In parallel with the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Health and Healing hosted a series of “listening sessions” on May 22-23. These sessions aimed to reflect on global health challenges under the theme “One World, One Health.”
The main focus of these discussions was the urgent need for sustainable financing of healthcare amidst ongoing global crises. The WCC Commission had prepared a comprehensive background analysis and invited partners to share insights through these sessions, gathering firsthand accounts of healthcare access and challenges. This provided an opportunity for partners to exchange ideas, identify common issues, and propose strategies to address the current healthcare crisis.
Key topics addressed during the sessions included severe funding cuts that have led to the collapse of critical health programs, particularly those addressing HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. Participants also discussed the heightened vulnerability of women, children, and marginalized communities, the devastating impact of wars and violence, and other pressing concerns affecting public health.
Faith-based healthcare providers were given a platform to share how the ongoing public health crisis has impacted their work. Participants worked together to craft advocacy strategies and explore ways to foster local community engagement in Christian healthcare initiatives.
In the aftermath of the sessions, the WCC Commission is considering the creation of a shared platform to allow partners to communicate their challenges and successes. Additional proposals include mobilizing churches to participate in holistic healing ministries, raising awareness about climate change’s impact on health, and identifying further solutions to aid the most vulnerable populations.
The WCC’s ongoing efforts aim to create sustainable, inclusive healthcare systems that address the needs of all, particularly those most affected by the current global health challenges.
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