Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ Vision for Global Health: A Call to Collective Action

A New Direction Amid Global Challenges

In an era characterized by unprecedented global instability, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), delivered a compelling keynote address at the Palais des Nations. He urged Member States to maintain their focus on shared goals, saying, “We are here to serve not our own interests, but the eight billion people of our world.” His sentiments resonate with the global community’s need to work toward a healthier, more peaceful, and equitable future for generations to come.

The ongoing 2024 World Health Assembly, which runs through May 27, gathers delegations from 194 Member States under the theme "One World for Health." Among other significant discussions, the assembly will vote on the much-anticipated Pandemic Agreement, which aims to enhance global preparedness for future health crises.

The Pandemic Agreement: A Historic Step Forward

At the heart of the Assembly’s agenda is a proposed global compact intended to transform how the world responds to pandemics. This agreement emerges from three years of negotiations aimed at preventing the disjointed response witnessed during the early stages of COVID-19. Dr. Tedros described this moment as historic: “Even in the middle of crisis, and in the face of significant opposition, you worked tirelessly, you never gave up, and you reached your goal.” A final vote on this agreement is expected soon, marking only the second instance of countries approving a legally binding health treaty under WHO’s auspices.

The first such treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, was adopted in 2003, underscoring the significance of collective action for global health.

Progress and Challenges in Global Health

In his address, Dr. Tedros highlighted notable progress on various health fronts while acknowledging existing gaps. He celebrated a global one-third reduction in smoking prevalence over the last two decades, attributing this to the WHO Framework Convention’s efforts. Countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Oman, and Vietnam have reported substantial advances, including the introduction of strict regulations such as plain packaging and e-cigarette restrictions.

In nutrition, WHO released new guidelines on wasting and expanded initiatives that support tobacco farmers in transitioning to food crops. Tedros also pointed out the WHO’s growing focus on air pollution and climate-resilient health systems, including collaborations with organizations like Gavi and UNICEF to install solar energy in health facilities worldwide.

Monitoring Maternal and Child Health

Despite progress in many areas, Tedros spotlighted the stagnation in maternal and child health. He rolled out new national acceleration plans aimed at reducing neonatal mortality, detailing how immunization coverage now reaches 83% of children globally. This is a significant escalation from less than 5% when the Expanded Programme on Immunisation was inaugurated in 1974. The WHO’s success in disease elimination is showcased through countries like Cabo Verde, Egypt, and Georgia achieving malaria-free status, exemplifying the strides being made despite ongoing hurdles.

Financial Strain on the WHO

Turning to the WHO’s financial landscape, Dr. Tedros painted a sobering picture. “We are facing a salary gap for the next biennium of more than US$ 500 million," he stated. The proposed budget cuts reflect a necessity to align the organization’s goals with available funding. Member States are considering a 20% increase in assessed contributions to address these financial challenges.

Tedros highlighted the stark contrast between WHO’s budget constraints and global military expenditures, stressing that “US$ 2.1 billion is the equivalent of global military expenditure every eight hours.” He urged Member States to recalibrate their priorities, lamenting the undervaluation of health funding in a world tilted toward violence.

Emergency Operations: A Focus on Health Equity

The WHO’s emergency response operations span 89 countries and address various health crises, including cholera, Ebola, mpox, and polio, as well as humanitarian needs in conflict-affected regions like Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza. In Gaza alone, over 7,300 medical evacuations have been supported, with a pressing need for care still evident for over 10,000 patients.

Future Initiatives: Embracing Transformation

In his closing remarks, Dr. Tedros spoke optimistically about the WHO’s future, emphasizing lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed towards new initiatives in pandemic intelligence, vaccine development, and digital health technologies. Notably, increased investments in artificial intelligence and efforts to support mRNA technology transfer to 15 countries signal a proactive approach to future health challenges.

Through restructuring and streamlining operations, the WHO aims to become more efficient and responsive. “Our current crisis is an opportunity,” Dr. Tedros concluded, fostering a spirit of resilience and collaboration amongst Member States in tackling the world’s most pressing health issues.