The 78th World Health Assembly wrapped up in Geneva after nine days of intense negotiations, with WHO member states adopting a landmark global pandemic agreement aimed at strengthening preparedness and response for future health crises.
More than three years in the making, the pact reflects collective lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments across all regions. "The WHO pandemic agreement will run among the most significant achievements in the history of this organization and of global health," said Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Delegates also approved a base program budget of $4.2 billion for 2026-2027, based on the WHO's 14th General Program of Work. This budget, trimmed from an initial $5.3 billion proposal, highlights a commitment to cost-effective strategies while maintaining robust support for global health initiatives.
Key resolutions address critical challenges: strengthening health financing, launching a global traditional medicine strategy, pushing for a lead-free future, and setting a voluntary goal to halve health impacts of air pollution by 2040. The assembly also committed to improving maternal and child nutrition and updating the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance.
Beyond these headline decisions, delegates agreed on measures spanning lung and kidney health, rare and skin diseases, digital health innovation, medical imaging access, and bolstering the global healthcare workforce, including nursing and midwifery.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, joined the assembly, delivering a keynote at the high-level welcoming ceremony. The Chinese delegation engaged in reviews of over 70 agenda items, hosted thematic side events and collaborated with diverse delegations to drive forward shared health goals.
As the world turns the page on COVID-19, this agreement marks a milestone in international cooperation. For young innovators, entrepreneurs and global citizens, it signals new opportunities in digital health, sustainable development and cross-border collaboration to build a safer, healthier future.
Reference(s):
World Health Assembly concludes with pandemic agreement adopted
cgtn.com
