As the global health system faces increasing geopolitical, economic, and environmental pressures, the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) convened in Geneva, bringing together health ministers, thought leaders, and decision-makers. Their focus: ensuring the World Health Organization (WHO) can adapt to today’s challenges while continuing to advance its mission of “health for all.”

Major Topics AT THE 79TH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY

WHA79 addressed ongoing efforts to reform the global health architecture, or the ecosystem of global health actors and institutions that shape how the international community addresses health challenges. At the WHO Executive Board meeting in February, countries gave WHO the greenlight to develop a plan to harmonize reform initiatives that have emerged through various efforts of global health partners over the last 18 months. At WHA79, Member States considered the secretariat’s proposal and determine the way forward.

Another major topic on the agenda of WHA79 is the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system –– a technical annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The PABS system aims to establish a global mechanism for sharing pathogen samples and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics that are developed using those samples. After several rounds of negotiation, Member States recently agreed to request an extension at WHA79, citing the need for more time to reach agreement on these complex issues.

Countries tackled a wide range of health priorities throughout the week, including the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, progress on Universal Health Coverage and mental health, and responses to global health emergencies.

In parallel to official proceedings, numerous side events hosted by Member States and non-state actors took place across Geneva and online.