The 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78) officially opened on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “One World for Health.” Running through May 25, the high-level forum brings together health ministers, senior delegates, and global stakeholders to tackle pressing health challenges and reinforce international cooperation amid an evolving global health landscape.
This year’s theme emphasizes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) commitment to equity and solidarity, affirming that everyone, everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, even in times of crisis.
A key highlight of WHA78 is the anticipated consideration of the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark proposal developed over three years by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body. If adopted, it would become only the second agreement passed under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, empowering member states to reach international conventions on health. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the agreement as a “historic” step to improve global collaboration in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.
“This year’s World Health Assembly will be truly historic,” said Dr. Tedros. “The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries fairly.”
In addition to the Pandemic Agreement, WHA78 will address sustainable financing. Member States are set to consider a 20% increase in assessed contributions to support WHO’s Programme Budget 2026–2027 (PB26–27). The proposed budget, trimmed by 22% to US$4.267 billion from an earlier US$5.3 billion, will be the first under WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), its strategy for 2025–2028.
Budget reprioritization and cost-saving measures are also expected to apply to the current year, 2025, aimed at sharpening WHO’s focus on core activities and aligning resources with urgent global health priorities. These steps are critical in advancing progress on health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many of which were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A high-level pledging moment is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, during which countries and philanthropic organizations will announce contributions toward WHO’s Investment Round.
Delegates will also review progress from the past year, including the 2024 Results Report and the final assessment of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work’s “Triple Billion” targets: extending universal health coverage, protecting against health emergencies, and promoting overall well-being for one billion more people each.
As the world continues to recover from COVID-19 and brace for emerging threats, WHA78 is expected to set a transformative course for global health policy. All eyes are now on Geneva as global leaders deliberate on ways to foster stronger cooperation, build resilient health systems, and ensure health equity for all.
Written By Rodney Mbua
