The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) has officially kicked off in Geneva, Switzerland, running from May 19 to 25, 2025. The high-level global forum brings together health ministers, senior delegates, and key stakeholders to address pressing global health challenges and shape the future of international cooperation in an increasingly complex health landscape.
This year’s Assembly theme highlights the World Health Organization’s (WHO) unwavering commitment to solidarity and equity, reinforcing the belief that everyone, everywhere deserves a fair chance at a healthy life especially during times of global crisis.
A central highlight of WHA78 is the anticipated consideration of the Pandemic Agreement, a historic proposal developed over three years by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body. If adopted, the agreement would mark only the second time an accord is approved under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, empowering Member States to forge legally binding health conventions.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the agreement as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard the world from a repeat of the suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” He emphasized that the agreement will enhance fair collaboration among countries in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
Beyond pandemic preparedness, WHA78 is also focusing on sustainable financing. Member States are deliberating a proposed 20% increase in assessed contributions towards the WHO’s next Programme Budget (PB26–27), aligned with the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14) covering 2025–2028. The revised budget, reduced by 22% to $4.267 billion from the initially proposed $5.3 billion, reflects WHO’s cost-saving measures and reprioritization efforts.
On May 20, a high-level pledging session is set to mobilize additional funding for WHO from Member States and philanthropic partners.
Delegates will also evaluate progress made under the Thirteenth General Programme of Work and its “Triple Billion” targets: expanding universal health coverage, enhancing protection from health emergencies, and improving overall health and well-being.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still casting a long shadow and new threats emerging, WHA78 may prove pivotal in guiding global health governance and equity for years to come.
