Global Health Priorities Take Center Stage at the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly

The Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, themed "All for Health, Health for All," will take place from 27 May to 1 June. This critical gathering will bring together health ministers and high-level representatives to address ongoing global health issues, including HIV, measles, and polio, within the context of climate change and rising hypertension and obesity rates. Key highlights include discussions on the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Accord, amendments to the International Health Regulations, and WHO's 2025-2028 strategy. Pre-Assembly events on 26 May will feature health-promotion activities and the launch of the WHO Investment Round.

As the world continues to grapple with the aftershocks of the most severe pandemic in a century, global health leaders are converging to address pressing health issues at the Seventy-seventh session of the World Health Assembly. Under the banner "All for Health, Health for All," this pivotal event will run from 27 May to 1 June, bringing together health ministers and high-level representatives from across the globe.

This year’s Assembly is set against a backdrop of ongoing health crises, including HIV, measles, and polio, compounded by the climate emergency and increasing rates of hypertension and obesity. With these multifaceted challenges in mind, the Assembly will focus on fostering resilience and advancing global health agendas.

Pandemic Preparedness and Response

One of the most anticipated discussions at the Assembly will center on the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Accord, alongside proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations. These discussions signify a unified effort by member states to enhance global readiness and response mechanisms for future health crises.

The importance of these measures cannot be overstated. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in global health systems, prompting an urgent need for stronger international cooperation and robust health infrastructures. By adopting these accords and amendments, member states aim to fortify global health security and ensure a more coordinated response to future pandemics.

Pre-Assembly Events and Investment Round

The Assembly will kick off with a series of pre-opening events on Sunday, 26 May. The day will start with the fifth edition of the "Walk the Talk: Health for All" challenge at Place des Nations, promoting physical and mental well-being. Participants will include WHO Goodwill ambassador Didier Drogba, basketball star Pau Gasol, Olympic champion David Rudisha, Paralympic marathon champion Marcel Hug, and choreographer Sherrie Silver.

Later that day, the "All for Health, Health for All" event at WHO headquarters will launch the first WHO Investment Round, aimed at engaging current and potential donors for sustainable funding. This event will feature the Grand Prix awards for the Health for All Film Festival and a performance by mezzo-soprano Farrah El Dibany. The event will be live-streamed, allowing global audiences to participate.

Strategic Focus on Global Health

On Tuesday, 28 May, WHO will present its third Investment Case, highlighting the benefits of implementing the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14) for 2025-2028. This program focuses on saving lives and improving health outcomes worldwide. The presentation will underscore the critical need for investment in global health, emphasizing the significant returns such investments yield in terms of lives saved and economic stability.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has highlighted the pressures posed by climate change, disease outbreaks, and conflicts, stressing the importance of the Health Assembly in promoting, providing, and protecting global health. He emphasized the opportunities for member states to adopt GPW 14, support WHO's transformation, and enhance global safety through the Pandemic Agreement and health regulation amendments.

High-Level Participation and Strategic Discussions

The Assembly will feature high-level participation from political leaders, ambassadors, and representatives of civil society and non-state actors. This broad representation underscores the global commitment to advancing public health and addressing the most pressing health issues.

Key highlights of the Assembly include the approval of WHO's 2025-2028 strategy on 28 May. This strategy aims to address the health impacts of major trends such as climate change, aging populations, migration, and advancements in science and technology, all with a focus on achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing Health Priorities

Crucial policy decisions will cover a wide range of health priorities, including climate and health, emergency health responses, access to transformative tools, communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health, women's health, and WHO's own reform.

On Friday, 31 May, the Health Assembly President will present six public health awards to eight laureates for their outstanding contributions. These awards recognize the dedication and impact of individuals and organizations in advancing global health.

Strategic Roundtables

Throughout the Assembly, strategic roundtables will be held under the theme "Invest in Global Health – Invest in WHO." These discussions will involve delegates, partner agencies, civil society representatives, and WHO experts, addressing public health priorities. The sessions will take place from 28 May to 1 June 2024, with an additional session on the evening of 28 May. All sessions will be available online, ensuring broader participation and engagement.

Setting the Course for Global Health Policy

As WHO's highest decision-making body, the Health Assembly sets the Organization's policy and approves its budget. The Assembly will be attended by delegations from all 194 WHO Member States. It is preceded by the 40th meeting of the Programme, Budget, and Administration Committee of the Executive Board from 22-24 May 2024 and will be followed by the 155th meeting of the Executive Board on 3-4 June.

Conclusion

The Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly represents a crucial moment for global health governance. With high-level participation and strategic discussions, the Assembly aims to set the course for global health policy and funding for the coming years. By addressing critical issues such as pandemic preparedness, climate change impacts, and non-communicable diseases, the Assembly seeks to foster resilience and advance global health agendas in an increasingly interconnected world.

FAQs

Q1. What is the main focus of the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly?

Ans: The main focus is on addressing global health issues such as pandemic preparedness, climate change impacts, and non-communicable diseases, with an emphasis on fostering resilience and advancing global health agendas.

Q2. What are the key highlights of the Assembly?

Ans: Key highlights include discussions on the Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Accord, amendments to the International Health Regulations, approval of WHO's 2025-2028 strategy, and the presentation of public health awards.

Q3. Who will participate in the Assembly?

Ans: The Assembly will feature participation from health ministers, high-level representatives, political leaders, ambassadors, and representatives of civil society and non-state actors from all 194 WHO Member States.

Q4. What are the strategic roundtables about?

Ans: The strategic roundtables, held under the theme "Invest in Global Health – Invest in WHO," will address public health priorities and involve delegates, partner agencies, civil society representatives, and WHO experts.

Q5. How will the Assembly address funding for global health?

Ans: The Assembly will launch the WHO Investment Round and present the third Investment Case, highlighting the benefits of implementing the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14) for 2025-2028.