Geneva — World leaders have gathered in Geneva this week for a crucial meeting that could reshape the future of global health. The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), which opened Monday, comes at a moment of reflection and urgency.
At the heart of the discussions is a proposed Pandemic Agreement the first of its kind since COVID-19 swept the world and exposed deep cracks in international health coordination.
“This year’s World Health Assembly will be truly historic,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). “After three years of negotiations, countries are considering the first global compact to better protect people from pandemics.”
The proposed agreement, debated under the theme “One World for Health”, aims to ensure no country is left behind in preparing for and responding to future outbreaks. If adopted, it would become only the second such accord approved under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution a rare move that gives Member States the power to create binding international conventions on health.
Dr Tedros called it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to avoid the suffering caused by past pandemics. The deal is expected to include commitments on sharing data, vaccine access, and emergency funding all sensitive topics that have previously sparked political disagreement.
Balancing Priorities and Budgets
Aside from pandemic preparedness, the Assembly faces tough financial questions. Member States will vote on a proposed 20% increase in membership fees as part of the 2026–2027 Programme Budget. But even that comes with a twist the total budget has been cut by more than US$1 billion in response to financial pressures, down to US$4.27 billion.
The new budget forms part of WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, its strategic plan running through 2028. The emphasis, this year more than ever, is on doing more with less.
“The reprioritization of spending is necessary,” a WHO spokesperson said ahead of the meeting. “It’s about aligning our resources with the most urgent global health needs.”
The organization has pledged to focus more tightly on its core functions, including emergency response, health systems strengthening, and progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Eyes on the Money
Tuesday will bring a major pledging session a key moment for WHO’s “Investment Round”, where governments and philanthropies are expected to announce new funding. Much of that support will go towards strengthening health systems in low-income countries still reeling from COVID-19.
At the same time, the Assembly will review WHO’s 2024 performance report, which measures progress against its so-called “Triple Billion” targets. These aim to ensure one billion more people have access to universal health coverage, one billion more are protected from health emergencies, and one billion more enjoy better health and well-being.
Hope, Skepticism, and Global Stakes
The tone in Geneva is one of cautious optimism but also realism. The memory of COVID-19 still lingers, especially in countries where vaccines arrived late or not at all. The challenge now is political: finding consensus among 194 Member States with vastly different resources and priorities.
Critics warn that unless wealthier nations agree to fairer terms on things like vaccine sharing and funding, the agreement could fall short. Others argue that even a modest pact would be better than the status quo.
Backroom talks are expected to run long into the night as diplomats weigh sovereignty against solidarity. But in the Assembly hall, the message is clear: pandemics do not respect borders, and the world cannot afford to be unprepared again.
“Health is a fundamental human right,” Dr Tedros reminded delegates in his opening remarks. “And that means protecting everyone, everywhere not just in times of crisis, but every single day.”
As the week unfolds, that principle will be put to the test.
