Geneva: The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78), set to convene from May 19 to 27, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, will bring together global health leaders to address critical health challenges under the theme “One World for Health,” with the potential adoption of a landmark Pandemic Agreement as a centrepiece.
Hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the assembly is poised to be a defining moment for global health, as Member States consider a proposed global compact developed over three years of negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, comprising all WHO Member States.
This agreement, aimed at enhancing international collaboration in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response, could mark only the second time an agreement is approved under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which empowers Member States to establish binding global health frameworks.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted its significance, stating, “The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries fairly in the preparedness, prevention and response to pandemics.”
The assembly is expected to deliberate and potentially adopt the agreement on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prevent a repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation. Alongside this, WHA78 will address WHO’s sustainable financing, a pressing priority in a challenging financial landscape.
Member States will review a proposed 20% increase in assessed contributions to support the Programme Budget 2026–2027, the first full biennium under WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work for 2025–2028. This budget, reduced by 22% to US$4.267 billion from an initial US$5.3 billion, reflects efforts to align resources with urgent global health needs while improving efficiency.
A high-level pledging event for WHO’s Investment Round on Tuesday, May 20, will see Member States and philanthropies announce funding commitments, while a Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing on Wednesday, May 21, will explore strategies to strengthen country-led health data systems and advance universal health coverage and health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
WHO’s reprioritisation efforts, including cost-saving measures and budget adjustments, will also be discussed to focus on core activities and realign resources. The assembly will review the 2024 Results Report, assessing progress toward WHO’s Triple Billion targets under the Thirteenth General Programme of Work. The agenda spans approximately 75 items, with over 40 resolutions and decisions expected to be approved, covering topics such as antimicrobial resistance, health workforce challenges, polio, climate change, and social determinants of health.
Forty-five official side events will take place at the Palais des Nations from May 19 to 24, addressing various health-related issues. On Friday, May 23, the WHA President will present public health prizes and awards, recognising outstanding contributions to global health, while the WHO Director-General is expected to announce two Director-General’s Awards for Global Health on Tuesday, May 20.
The assembly’s schedule includes the opening session on Monday, May 19, with addresses by the WHA President and Dr. Tedros, followed by deliberations on the Pandemic Agreement. Discussions on the Programme Budget and financing will dominate Tuesday’s sessions, with the pledging event concluding the day.
Due to financial constraints, WHO has implemented cost-saving measures, such as limiting speaking times, reducing evening sessions, and minimising hospitality and event-related expenses. WHA78 follows the Forty-second Meeting of the Programme, Budget, and Administrative Committee from May 14 to 16 and precedes the 157th Executive Board meeting on May 28 and 29.
A special session of the AFRO Regional Committee on May 18 will nominate a candidate for the WHO African Region’s next Regional Director, to be appointed during EB157. As WHO’s highest decision-making body, the World Health Assembly plays a critical role in shaping global health policy and approving the organisation’s budget, attended by delegations from all WHO Member States.
The theme “One World for Health” underscores the importance of solidarity and equity in addressing global health challenges. Daily updates and detailed schedules will be available through the WHA78 Documents page, with webcasts and additional information accessible via the WHO website and the United Nations Foundation’s WHA Guide.
– global bihari bureau
