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Geneva, 28 May 2025 — The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78), the annual gathering of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Member States, concluded on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in global health governance. Convened under the theme “One World for Health,” the Assembly saw health leaders from around the globe unite to address pressing health challenges, adopt landmark agreements, and pledge substantial new funding for the future of global health.
Landmark Pandemic Agreement Adopted
One of the Assembly’s most celebrated achievements was the adoption of the world’s first WHO Pandemic Agreement. After more than three years of intense negotiations, Member States reached consensus on a framework designed to enhance global coordination, cooperation, and equitable access to medical resources during future pandemics. This historic agreement aims to prevent a repeat of the suffering caused by COVID-19, while respecting national sovereignty and ensuring that all nations, regardless of income, are better prepared for health emergencies.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, described the outcome as “historic and landmark,” emphasizing that the agreement demonstrates the world’s ability to achieve unity and cooperation even in times of division.
Sustainable Financing Secured
In another significant move, Member States approved a second 20% increase in assessed contributions to WHO’s core budget, ensuring that by 2030–2031, these contributions will comprise 50% of the organization’s core funding. This step, coupled with pledges of at least US$ 210 million for WHO’s ongoing Investment Round, will provide more predictable and resilient financing for global health initiatives. Since May 2024, the Investment Round has attracted 35 new contributors, signaling broad international support for WHO’s strategic goals.
Major Resolutions Addressing Global Health Priorities
The Assembly’s agenda was both ambitious and wide-ranging, with Member States considering approximately 75 items and sub-items. Key resolutions adopted include:
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Global Health Financing Emergency: A new resolution addressing the urgent need for sustainable health financing worldwide.
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Noncommunicable Diseases: First-ever resolutions on lung and kidney health, aligning with upcoming UN General Assembly discussions.
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Air Pollution: A new target to halve the health impacts of air pollution by 2040.
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Social Connection: An innovative resolution recognizing the importance of social connection for improved health outcomes.
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Lead-Free Future: A commitment to eliminate lead exposure globally.
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Rare Diseases: A resolution to address the needs of over 300 million people living with rare diseases.
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Breast-milk Substitutes Marketing: Expanded provisions to tackle digital marketing of formula milk and baby foods.
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Guinea Worm Disease: Renewed efforts to accelerate the eradication of this debilitating disease.
Additional resolutions focused on digital health, workforce development, medical imaging, nursing and midwifery, sensory impairment, and skin diseases. The Assembly also established two new official WHO health campaigns: World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and World Prematurity Day.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness
The Assembly highlighted WHO’s ongoing work in health emergencies, noting that the organization responded to 51 graded emergencies across 89 countries in the past year. These included outbreaks of cholera and mpox, as well as multiple humanitarian crises. Notably, nearly 60% of new emergencies were climate-related, underscoring the growing health impacts of climate change.
With the support of over 900 partners, WHO provided health assistance to 72 million people in humanitarian settings, reaffirming its central role in global emergency response.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information provided by the World Health Organization’s official news release dated 28 May 2025. For more detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the original WHO announcement: Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly concludes: historic outcomes, consequential highlights. The content herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official WHO policy or guidance.
