From May 19 to 27, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) will host the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva under the theme “One World for Health.” This year’s gathering is set to be historic, as nations consider adopting the Pandemic Agreement, a global accord aimed at strengthening cooperation in future pandemic preparedness and response.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the potential of the agreement to transform global health security, following three years of intense negotiations among all WHO Member States.
Beyond pandemic policy, WHA78 will address sustainable financing, with Member States considering a 20% increase in contributions and a revised $4.267 billion budget for 2026–2027 under WHO’s new global health strategy (GPW14). A high-level pledging session will take place on May 20.
The Assembly will deliberate on over 75 agenda items, including antimicrobial resistance, climate change, the health workforce, and social connection as a determinant of health. It is expected to adopt over 40 resolutions.
Major side events include ministerial roundtables and the presentation of global public health awards. Due to budget constraints, the WHO has implemented cost-cutting measures such as limited evening sessions and hospitality.
The Assembly is preceded by the PBAC42 committee meeting and will be followed by the 157th Executive Board session, where the next Regional Director for WHO Africa will be appointed.
No responses yet