WHA79 Opens With Global Leaders Calling for Shared Responsibility in Health

Alongside the election of Dr Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam as President, delegates also elected a diverse group of Vice-Presidents representing different regions of the world.

The Seventy-ninth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA79) officially opened in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together global leaders, health ministers, diplomats, and international organizations at a critical moment for global public health.

The annual gathering of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Member States began with the election of Dr Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic as President of the Health Assembly, marking the formal start of one of the world's most important international health forums.

Held under growing global concern over pandemics, climate-related health threats, humanitarian crises, health inequities, and fragile healthcare systems, this year's assembly is expected to shape key global health priorities for the coming years.

Leadership Elected for WHA79

Alongside the election of Dr Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam as President, delegates also elected a diverse group of Vice-Presidents representing different regions of the world.

The elected Vice-Presidents are:

• Dr Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj of Libya

• Dr Assa Badiallo Touré of Mali

• Mrs Katarzyna Drążek-Laskowska of Poland

• Mrs Neesha Mehta of Nepal

• Mr Elias Kapavore of Papua New Guinea

WHO Member States also appointed:

• Dr Timur Sultangaziyev of Kazakhstan as Chair of Committee A

• Dr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of Ghana as Chair of Committee B

The leadership appointments reflect WHO's emphasis on regional representation and international cooperation in addressing global health challenges.

Global Leaders Address the Assembly

The opening ceremony featured high-level speeches from international political leaders and senior United Nations officials, underscoring the growing importance of health in global diplomacy and development.

H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation, addressed delegates on behalf of Switzerland as the host country.

She was followed by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and Special Guest of Honour, whose participation highlighted Africa's increasing role in shaping global health discussions.

Delegates also viewed video messages from:

• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

• Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmad Al Sharaa

• Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley

The participation of multiple heads of state and government reflected the increasingly interconnected nature of global health, climate policy, economic stability, and international security.

Dr Tedros Calls for Collective Global Action

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered a keynote address emphasizing the need for stronger international solidarity and collective responsibility in confronting global health challenges.

His remarks came at a time when countries continue to grapple with:

• Pandemic preparedness concerns

• Climate-related health emergencies

• Rising health inequalities

• Humanitarian crises

• Mental health pressures

• Weak healthcare systems in vulnerable regions

The broader theme of the assembly — "Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility" — reflects growing recognition that no country can address major health threats alone.

Global health experts increasingly warn that international cooperation is essential for responding effectively to infectious diseases, environmental health risks, and future public health emergencies.

WHO Honours Four Global Health Leaders

One of the major highlights of the opening session was the presentation of the WHO Director-General's Awards for Global Health.

Dr Tedros honoured four internationally respected public health leaders for their exceptional lifetime contributions to improving health outcomes worldwide.

The 2026 award recipients are:

• Dr Tore Godal

• Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis

• Dr Mike Ryan

• Dr Heba El Sewedy

The awards recognize achievements in:

• Immunization and vaccine access

• Disease elimination

• Emergency preparedness

• Humanitarian healthcare

• Public health leadership

• Community health protection

Dr Tore Godal

Dr Tore Godal was recognized for his transformative role in advancing immunization and infectious disease control globally.

His work helped establish major global initiatives including:

• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

• Roll Back Malaria

• CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)

He also contributed significantly to efforts against neglected tropical diseases, including malaria and river blindness.

Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis

Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis was honoured for her leadership in immunization and disease elimination across the Americas.

Her efforts played a major role in achieving the elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas — the first WHO region to reach this milestone.

She also supported initiatives aimed at eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

Dr Mike Ryan

Dr Mike Ryan received recognition for his leadership in global health emergency preparedness and response.

A founder of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), he played key roles in international responses to:

• SARS

• Ebola

• Cholera

• Polio

• COVID-19

His leadership during major health emergencies earned global recognition for advancing international outbreak response systems.

Dr Heba El Sewedy

Dr Heba El Sewedy was honoured for her humanitarian work through the Ahl Masr Foundation.

Her organization pioneered comprehensive burn injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes while also supporting victims of conflict and humanitarian crises, including in Gaza.

WHO praised her people-centred approach to healthcare and social justice.

Spain's Prime Minister Addresses Delegates

At the conclusion of the afternoon plenary session, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivered a special address to the Assembly.

Although details of his remarks were not immediately released, his participation reflects Europe's continuing engagement with discussions around:

• Global health governance

• Pandemic preparedness

• Climate and health

• Health financing

• International solidarity

Major Global Health Issues Expected to Dominate Discussions

This year's World Health Assembly is expected to focus heavily on some of the world's most urgent health challenges.

Key agenda topics are likely to include:

• Pandemic prevention and preparedness

• Universal health coverage

• Climate change and health

• Mental health services

• Antimicrobial resistance

• Health financing

• Emergency response systems

• Vaccine equity

• Strengthening healthcare infrastructure

Health experts say WHA79 comes at a pivotal time for global public health as countries attempt to rebuild systems strained by years of overlapping crises.

Geneva Remains Center of Global Health Diplomacy

The World Health Assembly is WHO's highest decision-making body and brings together delegates from all WHO Member States each year in Geneva.

The assembly serves as a platform for:

• Negotiating global health agreements

• Setting international health priorities

• Approving WHO policies and budgets

• Coordinating responses to emerging threats

This year's gathering highlights the growing understanding that health challenges increasingly intersect with:

• Climate policy

• Economic development

• Humanitarian action

• Security

• Technology

• International cooperation

Shared Responsibility Central Theme of WHA79

The overarching theme of shared responsibility reflects WHO's push for stronger collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, researchers, and communities.

Global health leaders warn that future progress depends on:

• Equitable access to healthcare

• Sustainable health financing

• Scientific cooperation

• Trust in public institutions

• Stronger international partnerships

As WHA79 continues in Geneva, delegates are expected to negotiate policies and initiatives that could shape the future of global health governance for years to come.