By 78th World Health Assembly
Global Health Leaders Convene in Geneva
Summary
- The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) commenced today in Geneva, Switzerland, gathering delegations from all 194 WHO member states to address pressing global health challenges.
- A landmark global pandemic agreement received overwhelming support, with 124 countries voting in favor, marking a significant step toward improved pandemic preparedness and response.
- Key discussions include strengthening health systems, addressing noncommunicable diseases, integrating oral health into broader health strategies, and tackling the health impacts of climate change.
Geneva, Switzerland — The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially opened the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, running from May 19 to 27, 2025. This year’s assembly, themed “One World for Health,” aims to forge consensus on collective actions to protect global populations from future health threats.
A significant highlight of the opening day was the approval of a groundbreaking global pandemic agreement. The treaty, supported by 124 countries with no opposition and 11 abstentions, seeks to address structural inequities in the development and distribution of vaccines, medications, and health tools.
While it will be formally adopted during a plenary session on May 20, the agreement will not officially take effect until a related annex on pathogen sharing is negotiated, a process that could take up to two years.
In a related comment, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Regional Director for the WHO Africa Regional Office, acknowledged the complex challenges facing global health.
“Global health financing is facing turbulent times. Multilateralism is being severely tested,” he wrote on X.
However, he noted the strong show of unity at the Assembly, commending Member States and partners for their solidarity and enthusiasm in supporting WHO’s efforts to adapt to a changing world and remain ready and fit for the future.
In addition to pandemic preparedness, WHA78 will tackle a wide range of health priorities, including the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, and mental health conditions. Delegates will assess progress toward Universal Health Coverage, explore strategies to strengthen the global health workforce, and examine the health impacts of climate change and pollution.
The assembly will also address the integration of oral health into broader health strategies, recognizing its significant impact on overall health and quality of life. Discussions will emphasize the need for a more integrated approach to health that includes oral care as a vital component of general health strategies.
Climate change’s escalating threat to global health is another critical focus. The WHO has approved its General Programme of Work 2025–2028, which includes responding to climate change as one of its six strategic objectives. This initiative aims to build climate-resilient health systems and support health-promoting and environmentally sustainable practices.
Proceedings of the assembly are being webcast live, with simultaneous interpretation available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Numerous side events hosted by member states and non-state actors are also taking place across Geneva and online, providing additional platforms for discussion and collaboration.
As WHA78 unfolds, the global health community anticipates meaningful actions that will shape policies and health outcomes for years to come.
