The Seventy-eighth Session of the World Health Assembly: An Overview
The Seventy-eighth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78) is set to take place from 19 to 27 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. This year’s theme, “One World for Health,” emphasizes the critical need for global solidarity and equity in health. As nations worldwide grapple with complex health challenges and emerging threats, this gathering comes at a pivotal moment for international health.
The Significance of WHA78
WHA78 will convene high-level representatives from member states and various stakeholders to address pressing health issues. The timing of this assembly is particularly significant, as it showcases WHO’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of circumstance or location, has an equitable chance to lead a healthy life.
A Defining Moment: The Pandemic Agreement
One of the most anticipated moments of WHA78 will be the consideration of the Pandemic Agreement. This landmark proposal emerged from three years of intensive negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, comprising all WHO member states. The adoption of the agreement represents a historic opportunity to prevent future pandemic-related suffering, following the lessons learned from COVID-19.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, highlighted the importance of this agreement, stating, “This year’s World Health Assembly will be truly historic… The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries fairly in preparedness, prevention, and response to pandemics.”
Key Priorities of WHA78
Sustainable Financing
A pivotal focus of the Health Assembly will be sustainable financing for WHO operations. Member States are expected to discuss a 20% increase in assessed contributions towards the 2026–2027 Programme Budget (PB26-27). This budget marks a crucial phase in WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), aimed at strategizing global health from 2025 to 2028.
The proposed adjustments include reducing the agenda budget by 22% to US$ 4.267 billion from an original US$ 5.3 billion. The goal is to align WHO’s resources more effectively with urgent global health needs while maintaining focus on essential functions.
Reviewing Progress
Member States will also assess progress made in previous years, including a thorough review of the 2024 Results Report, which measures advancements toward WHO’s Triple Billion targets under its Thirteenth General Programme of Work.
Diverse Agenda Highlights
WHA78 will feature approximately 75 agenda items with over 40 resolutions and decisions expected for approval. Topics will cover a broad spectrum of public health concerns, including the health workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, climate change, and the role of social connections in determining health.
Awards and Recognition
During the assembly, several public health prizes and awards will be presented to recognize outstanding contributions to public health by individuals and organizations. On 20 May, the Director-General will announce two prestigious Director-General’s Awards for Global Health.
Events and Side Activities
In addition to the main proceedings, 45 official side events will be held at the Palais des Nations from 19 to 24 May. These will provide platforms for deeper discussions on various health-related topics. Notably, a high-level pledging event will occur on 20 May, focusing on sustainable financing and inviting Member States to commit to pledges for WHO’s Investment Round.
Furthermore, a Ministerial Roundtable on data and financing will be hosted on 21 May, aimed at fostering collaborative strategies to strengthen health data systems and funding for universal health coverage.
Assembly Timeline
Here’s a snapshot of key events during WHA78:
- 19 May: Opening ceremonies, including inaugural addresses and discussions on the Pandemic Agreement.
- 20 May: Anticipated adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, followed by high-level discussions on the proposed Programme Budget.
- 21 May: Ministerial Roundtable on data and financing.
- 23 May: Public Health Prizes and Awards presented.
The assembly agenda is subject to change, with daily updates available on the WHA78 Documents page for those interested in following the latest developments.
Pre- and Post-Assembly Sessions
The Health Assembly will follow the Forty-second Meeting of the Programme, Budget and Administrative Committee of the Executive Board, scheduled for 14 to 16 May. After WHA78, the 157th Executive Board meeting will take place on 28 and 29 May, where the appointment of the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region will be discussed.
About the World Health Assembly
As the supreme decision-making body of WHO, the World Health Assembly plays a crucial role in setting the organization’s policy and approving its budget. Delegates from all WHO member states participate, making it a vital platform for addressing global health challenges collaboratively.
