The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) drew to a close in Geneva on May 27, 2025, marking a pivotal week for global health governance. Under the theme “One World for Health,” delegates from Member States convened to tackle an array of pressing health challenges, from pandemic preparedness and financial stability to the pervasive impacts of climate change and humanitarian crises. This year’s Assembly was characterized by a renewed spirit of multilateralism and a collective determination to build more resilient, equitable, and people-centered health systems worldwide.

The WHA78 served as a critical forum for global health leaders to address persistent inequities and emerging threats. The week’s agenda underscored the interconnectedness of health, climate, conflict, and economic stability, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the determinants of health in the 21st century. Significant achievements included the adoption of a historic Pandemic Agreement, substantial strides in sustainable financing for the World Health Organization (WHO), and landmark resolutions addressing a wide spectrum of diseases and public health priorities.

Day-by-Day Highlights

May 20: Pandemic Agreement Adopted; Budget Approved

• Historic Pandemic Agreement: Member states unanimously adopted the world’s first legally binding Pandemic Agreement after three years of negotiations. The pact aims to address inequities exposed by COVID-19, emphasizing equitable access to vaccines and medical countermeasures.
• Budget Approval: WHO’s 2026–2027 base budget was set at $4.2 billion, down from an initial $5.3 billion proposal due to financial constraints. A 20% increase in membership fees (“assessed contributions”) was approved to stabilize funding.
• Leadership Appointments: Dr. Teodoro Herbosa (Philippines) elected as WHA78 President; six Vice-Presidents appointed, including Dr. Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan (Bahrain) and Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto (Liberia).

The following table summarizes the key appointments and leadership recognitions made during the WHA78:

May 21: Health Financing Crisis Takes Center Stage

The second day brought critical discussions on the urgent need for sustainable health financing and the dire health situations in conflict-affected regions, underscoring the complex interplay of economics, geopolitics, and public health.

• Ministers from Barbados, Egypt, and others declared a “health financing emergency,” urging countries to reduce reliance on external aid and prioritize domestic data systems. Dr. Tedros emphasized, “Data and sustainable financing are not just technical matters. They are political choices. They shape who is reached, how quickly, and with what quality of care”
• Director-General Awards: Malaria experts Sir Brian Greenwood and Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck honored for lifetime achievements.
• A ministerial dialogue co-hosted by WHO and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation highlighted a pressing “health financing emergency,” a direct consequence of abrupt cuts in external funding for health.
• Spotlight on Health in Crisis Zones: Occupied Palestinian Territory and Syrian Golan: A decision was adopted for the Director-General to continue reporting on these health conditions, specifically on food insecurity and malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, and to continue supporting Palestinian and Syrian health systems.
• Laying the Groundwork for Emergency Preparedness: Discussions commenced on WHO’s extensive work in health emergencies.This early discussion set the stage for deeper dives into emergency preparedness and response later in the week, emphasizing the escalating influence of environmental factors on global health crises.

May 22: WHO Investment Round Surpasses $1.9 Billion

The Assembly continued to grapple with the complexities of financing global health initiatives and strengthening emergency responses, while reinforcing the foundational regulations that underpin international health security.

• Over $210 million pledged during the Assembly, bringing total commitments to $1.9 billion for WHO’s 2025–2028 strategy. Sixty-two member states and 20 philanthropies contributed, with 35 first-time donors.
• Health Emergencies: WHO reported responding to 51 global emergencies in 2024, 60% climate-related. Dr. Mike Ryan, outgoing Health Emergencies Director, praised for leadership.
• Upholding Global Health Security: Member States noted the Director-General’s report on progress made in implementing the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), which outline the rights and obligations of countries in managing public health events and emergencies with the potential to cross borders.
• Public Health Measures: Member States approved a decision related to public health and social measures (PHSM), urging the strengthening of the research base on these interventions. PHSM are non-pharmaceutical interventions used to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and lower hospitalizations and deaths.

May 23: Landmark Resolutions on Equity

Day 4 saw a flurry of resolutions aimed at improving access to essential medicines, tackling specific diseases, and addressing broader determinants of health, including the crucial aspect of social connection.

• Controlled Medicines: New guidelines aim to close the 80% morphine access gap favoring high-income countries.
• Cervical Cancer Elimination Day: November 17 designated to accelerate HPV vaccination and screening.
• Social Connection Resolution: First-ever WHA resolution links loneliness to health risks, launching the “Knot Alone” campaign.
• Landmark Resolutions: Member States approved a landmark resolution on lung health, recognizing the urgent need to tackle respiratory diseases and their major risk factors, including air pollution and tobacco use.
• Polio and Smallpox Updates: Member States reaffirmed support for a polio-free world & Smallpox eradication, commending progress in stopping a wild poliovirus outbreak in several countries in Africa and addressing remaining challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Laboratory Biosafety: Delegates emphasized the importance of laboratory safety to safeguarding public health and welcomed the publication of the 4th edition of WHO’s Laboratory Biosafety Manual and the release of a risk assessment mobile tool.

May 24: Rare Diseases and Guinea Worm Eradication

The Assembly continued its focus on equity, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based policy, and pushing forward with eradication efforts for neglected diseases.

• Rare Diseases: A resolution declared rare diseases a global priority, targeting a 10-year action plan for 300 million affected globally.
• Guinea Worm: Near-eradication milestone celebrated, with only 15 human cases in 2024.
• Recognizing Skin Diseases: A resolution on “Skin diseases as a global public health priority” was adopted today at the World Health Assembly.

May 26: Air Pollution and Formula Milk Marketing

The penultimate day of the Assembly addressed crucial cross-cutting issues, from the health impacts of environmental pollution to the ethical recruitment of healthcare workers and the symbolic recognition of non-member states.

• Air Pollution: Member states set a voluntary target to halve air pollution’s health impact by 2040, addressing 7 million annual deaths.
• Formula Milk: Digital marketing regulations expanded under the 1981 International Code to combat misleading ads targeting parents.
• Health and Care Workforce: Member States reaffirmed their commitment to protect and invest in the global health and care workforce.
• Traditional Medicine Strategy: Members of the World Health Assembly agreed on the new WHO global traditional medicine strategy for 2025–2034.
• World Prematurity Day: Member States agreed to announce World Prematurity Day as an official WHO health campaign.

May 27: AMR and Climate Action

The concluding day of the WHA78 solidified commitments on two of the most critical and complex global health challenges: antimicrobial resistance and climate change, demonstrating a clear vision for a healthier, more resilient future.

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): A 10-year action plan update approved, targeting 10% reduction in AMR-linked deaths by 2030.
• Climate Change: First Global Action Plan on Climate and Health adopted, focusing on low-carbon health systems.

Awards and Recognitions

Honoring Malaria Pioneers at World Health Assembly 2025

• The Director-General presented Global Health Leader Awards to Professor Sir Brian Greenwood (UK) and Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck (Senegal) for their groundbreaking contributions to malaria control and global public health. Their work has been instrumental in advancing preventive therapies, vaccine deployment, and health system strengthening in malaria-endemic regions.

Cultural Recognition

While not formal awards, the Assembly featured performances by:

• Farrah El-Dibany (Egyptian opera singer)
• Elaine Vidal and Eunice Miller (sopranos from the Philippines),

highlighting the role of art in bridging health advocacy and global solidarity.

Funding Challenges and Geopolitical Tensions

While the Assembly celebrated financial pledges, underlying strains persisted. The approved $4.2 billion budget reflects a 21% cut from initial proposals, with regional offices and headquarters absorbing reductions. Voluntary contributions now account for 80% of WHO’s funding, raising concerns about donor influence.

Russia’s proposed amendments to a Ukraine health resolution were rejected, underscoring ongoing geopolitical divides. Meanwhile, Argentina’s potential withdrawal from WHO, to be reviewed in 2026, signals brewing tensions.

Looking Ahead

WHA78’s resolutions hinge on implementation. The Pandemic Agreement’s success depends on equitable pathogen-sharing systems, while climate and AMR plans require unprecedented cross-sector collaboration. Dr. Tedros closed the Assembly urging solidarity: “In a fractured world, health remains a bridge to peace.”

As nations depart Geneva, the question lingers: Can political will translate to actionable progress before the next crisis strikes? For now, the global health community leaves with cautious optimism and a daunting to-do list.

Note to Readers: This report provides a roundup of the major announcements and decisions from the 78th World Health Assembly. For a complete and official overview, please refer to the WHO’s official website.