The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened Monday in Geneva under the theme "One World for Health." WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called this gathering historic, with member states set to consider a landmark pandemic agreement.
Tedros urged delegates to approve increases in assessed contributions to secure the WHO's long-term financial sustainability and independence.
Lei Haichao, head of the Chinese mainland's National Health Commission, highlighted the Chinese mainland's six decades of global health outreach. He noted that over 30,000 medical personnel have been deployed to 77 countries and regions, treating more than 300 million patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese mainland supplied 500 billion personal protective items and 2.3 billion vaccine doses worldwide.
Lei reiterated that the Chinese mainland will continue supporting the WHO and multilateralism through concrete actions. He welcomed internal reforms and expressed willingness to partner with other members to build a global community of health for all.
Addressing cross-strait issues, Lei stressed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese mainland and noted the WHA has consistently excluded any proposal on Taiwan's participation as an observer, urging relevant parties to respect the assembly's decisions.
Key agenda items include the pandemic agreement draft agreed after three years of negotiations, the 2024 results report, and around 75 resolutions on topics from workforce and antimicrobial resistance to climate change and polio eradication.
Sustainable financing is also on the table: delegates will review the proposed 2026\u00132027 budget, which may be reduced to $4.267 billion from $5.3 billion, aiming to sharpen priorities, boost core functions and drive efficiency.
The WHA, the WHO's top decision-making body, sets policies and approves the program budget, and will wrap up on May 27.
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78th WHA opens in Geneva with focus on 'One World for Health'
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