Geneva: The 78th World Health Assembly concluded Tuesday in Geneva, marking several major milestones in global health. Delegates adopted the world’s first pandemic agreement and approved a significant boost in core funding for the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to United Nations, the Assembly endorsed a wide range of measures to promote health equity, reduce air pollution, and strengthen protections for vulnerable populations. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the historic nature of this year’s Assembly during the closing, which ended nine days of intense debate and decisions.
A significant outcome of the Assembly was the approval of a 20 percent increase in assessed contributions, representing the core, mandatory funding from Member States that underpins WHO’s work. By 2030-2031, these contributions are expected to cover 50 percent of the agency’s core budget, marking a crucial step toward financial sustainability. Health leaders also pledged at least $210 million to WH
O’s ongoing Investment Round, adding to the $1.7 billion already raised and expanding the agency’s donor base.
The Assembly also addressed a range of health challenges by delivering resolutions on lung and kidney health, aligning with the growing recognition of noncommunicable diseases as a global priority. Nations set an ambitious target to halve the health impacts of air pollution by 2040 and adopted a resolution on social connection, acknowledging evidence linking social isolation to poor health outcomes. Measures to combat the digital marketing of formula milk and baby foods were also endorsed, along with initiatives addressing rare diseases, a lead-free future, and the eradication of Guinea worm disease.
In conclusion, Director-General Tedros urged countries to maintain momentum beyond the Assembly, highlighting the spirit of cooperation and commitment to health for all. “You, the nations of the world, made history,” he said, acknowledging the achievements amidst global conflict and inequity, and reinf
orcing the commitment to health for all.