The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) is scheduled to take place from May 19 to 27, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme for this year’s assembly is “One World, One Health,” reflecting a commitment to global solidarity and equity in health.
The assembly will bring together senior representatives from member states and other stakeholders to address pressing health challenges at a pivotal time. Member countries face emerging threats, and the global health and international development landscape is undergoing significant transformation.
A major focus of this year’s assembly is the consideration of the landmark Pandemic Accord. This agreement, developed over three years of intensive negotiations by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) member states, aims to better protect humanity from future pandemics. It represents a historic opportunity to prevent a recurrence of the devastation caused by COVID-19. The accord will be submitted for approval under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which empowers member states to adopt global health agreements.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the importance of this assembly, stating, “This year’s World Health Assembly will be truly historic. After three years of negotiations, countries will review and approve the first-ever global pact designed to enhance pandemic preparedness and response through equitable cooperation.”
Sustainable financing for the WHO is another key priority. Member states will discuss a planned 20% increase in assessed contributions for the 2026–2027 biennium and will review a proposed budget reduced from the initially requested $5.3 billion to $4.267 billion. This budget will support the WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work (GPW14) for 2025–2028, prioritizing critical activities while improving organizational efficiency.
Adjustments to the WHO’s work priorities and budget, including cost-saving measures, will also apply to 2025 to better align resources with urgent global health needs and help progress toward health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
On May 20, a high-level pledging event will invite member states and donors to announce funding commitments to support WHO initiatives.
The assembly agenda includes approximately 75 items, with over 40 resolutions expected to be adopted. Topics range from healthcare workforce issues, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, disease eradication efforts, climate change, to social determinants of health.
Awards will be presented on May 23 to recognize individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to public health. The Director-General will also announce two global health awards on May 20.
Several official side events and high-level meetings will be held throughout the assembly, including a ministerial roundtable on health data and sustainable financing on May 21. Due to financial constraints, WHO is limiting additional events and implementing cost-saving measures such as shorter speaking times and reduced hospitality.
The assembly follows the 42nd meeting of the Programme, Budget and Administrative Committee (PBAC42) from May 14 to 16, and precedes the 157th Executive Board meeting scheduled for May 28–29, which will include the appointment of the next WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The World Health Assembly is WHO’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting policies and approving budgets, with delegations from all WHO member states attending.
For more information, including daily schedules and live broadcasts, please visit the official WHO website.
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