By Abigael Gioche
The 78th World Health Assembly commenced yesterday, May 19t,h in Geneva with 194 World Health Organization (WHO) member states represented.
The Assembly, themed ‘One World for Health’, seeks to underscore the importance of global solidarity in addressing health challenges.
The first day was marked by the approval of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which calls for the adoption of a historic global compact to make the world safer from future pandemics. The resolution passed with 124 states in support, no contentions and 11 abstentions.
“The WHO Pandemic Agreement is a demonstration of the shared desire by all people to be better prepared to prevent and respond to the next pandemic, with a commitment to the principles of respect for human dignity, equity, solidarity and sovereignty, and basing public health decisions to control pandemics on the best available science and evidence,” the Minister of Health and Social Services of Namibia, Hon. Dr. Esperance Luvindao, who chaired the committee that passed the resolution remarked.
Day 2 is set to begin with the formal adoption of the agreement. Heads of state and ministers are also expected to make statements, followed by a keynote speech from WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and presentation of awards for exceptional contributions to global health.
The discussion on the proposed programme budget for the year 2026-2027 is set for the afternoon session.
The day will close with a session to mobilize funding as part of the organization’s Investment Round aimed at strengthening its mandate and capacity in global health.
A discussion among health finance ministers, policymakers and development partners on strategies to strengthen health information systems and secure sustainable financing for health forms the end of the day’s agenda.
The Assembly is set to run up to May 27th.