SEO Riders:
– WHO Pandemic Agreement Adopted at WHA78
– Global Health Financing Enhanced with Increased WHO Contributions
– Rare Diseases and Air Pollution Addressed in WHA78 Resolutions
The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), held from May 19 to 27, 2025, in Geneva, concluded with significant achievements under the theme “One World for Health.” A landmark outcome was the adoption of the first-ever WHO Pandemic Agreement, aimed at enhancing global coordination, equitable access to medical resources, and preparedness for future health emergencies. Additionally, Member States approved a second 20% increase in assessed contributions to WHO, aiming to make these contributions 50% of the organization’s core budget by 2030–2031, thereby ensuring more sustainable and flexible funding.
Other notable resolutions included the adoption of a 10-year global plan for rare diseases, emphasizing improved data collection and early diagnosis, and the implementation of new targets to reduce air pollution’s health impact. The Assembly also addressed the digital marketing of infant formula and baby food, introducing measures to protect maternal and child health. Furthermore, the Assembly celebrated the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in 11 countries since January 2024, marking what WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described as a “golden age of disease elimination.”
