The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78), the annual meeting of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Member States, concluded Tuesday with health leaders praising major achievements and global unity.
Held from May 19 to 27 under the theme “One World for Health,” the Assembly is WHO’s top decision-making body. Member States discussed about 75 topics across all health areas, engaging in debates and passing important resolutions to improve health worldwide.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called this year’s Assembly “historic” and “landmark.” He highlighted the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and approval of increased assessed contributions as signs that cooperation is possible despite global conflicts.
A key milestone was the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement on May 20. After more than three years of negotiations, Member States agreed on a framework to better prepare for future pandemics. The Agreement aims to improve global coordination, equity, and access to medical resources while respecting national sovereignty. Over the next year, consultations will focus on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system, an annex designed to ensure fair access to medical advancements.
On financing, Member States agreed to a second 20% increase in assessed contributions, which will help WHO secure more stable funding. By 2030-2031, assessed contributions are expected to cover 50% of WHO’s core budget. At a high-level pledging event during the Assembly, health leaders committed at least US$210 million to WHO’s Investment Round, supporting its four-year global health strategy. Since launching in May 2024, the campaign has attracted 35 new contributors, helping diversify WHO’s funding sources.
The Assembly passed numerous resolutions addressing urgent and emerging health issues. These included a declaration on the global health financing emergency, first-ever resolutions on lung and kidney health, and a target to halve the health effects of air pollution by 2040. Other resolutions promoted social connection for better health, a lead-free future, rare disease protections, and stronger rules to limit digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes. Efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease were also accelerated. Additional resolutions covered digital health, workforce issues, nursing, medical imaging, sensory impairment, and skin diseases. Two new WHO health campaigns were launched: World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and World Prematurity Day.
The Assembly also focused on health emergency preparedness. In the past year, WHO responded to 51 emergencies across 89 countries, including outbreaks of cholera and mpox, and multiple humanitarian crises. With over 900 partners, WHO provided health assistance to 72 million people in crisis settings. Nearly 60% of new emergencies were linked to climate change, underscoring its growing impact on health.
Member States recognized WHO’s leadership in emergency response and supported efforts to strengthen the global health emergency framework. They reviewed progress on health needs in Ukraine and the occupied Palestinian territory and discussed the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005). A new resolution was approved to boost research on public health measures to control outbreaks.
Overall, WHA78 demonstrated strong global commitment to improving health systems, pandemic preparedness, and sustainable financing for WHO’s mission.
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