By Dr. Helena Fischer, Editor, Health | World Today Journal

May 20, 2026

The World Health Assembly 2026: How Geneva’s Historic Session Is Shaping Global Health Policy

Geneva is hosting one of the most consequential gatherings in global health this year as the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) opened its doors today, bringing together ministers of health from 194 member states to address pressing challenges from pandemic preparedness to universal health coverage. The session, which runs through May 28, marks a pivotal moment as new leadership takes the helm, high-level diplomats deliver urgent messages, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes decades of service from four legendary health leaders.

With the theme of “Strengthening Health Systems for Universal Health Coverage,” this year’s assembly arrives at a critical juncture. Recent global health crises—from the lingering impacts of COVID-19 to ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases—have underscored the need for coordinated action. The assembly’s decisions will influence everything from funding allocations for health emergencies to the development of new global health standards in an era of rapid technological change.

As a physician and health journalist, I’ve been closely monitoring the developments from Geneva. What stands out this year is the unprecedented level of high-level participation, including addresses from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain, as well as the election of a diverse new leadership team that reflects the global nature of health challenges we face. Let’s break down the key moments from the opening day and what they mean for the future of global health.

Historic Leadership Elections: A New Era for Global Health Governance

The assembly began with the election of its new leadership, marking a significant shift in how global health decisions will be made in the coming years. Dr. Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic was elected as President of the Health Assembly, becoming the first Caribbean health minister to hold this position. His election reflects growing recognition of the region’s leadership in health diplomacy and pandemic response.

The Vice-Presidents elected represent a geographic and gender diversity that mirrors the assembly’s global membership:

• Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj of Libya
• Dr. Assa Badiallo Touré of Mali
• Mrs. Katarzyna Drążek-Laskowska of Poland
• Mrs. Neesha Mehta of Nepal
• Mr. Elias Kapavore of Papua New Guinea

This diversity is particularly important given the varied health challenges different regions face. For example, while Europe grapples with aging populations and chronic disease management, African nations continue to battle infectious diseases and healthcare workforce shortages. The new leadership brings firsthand experience from these diverse contexts.

Technical Leadership: Committee A and B Take Shape

The assembly also elected chairs for its two main committees that will drive much of the technical work:

• Dr. Timur Sultangaziyev of Kazakhstan as Chair of Committee A (Budget, Finance, and Administration)
• Dr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of Ghana as Chair of Committee B (Health and Sustainable Development)

Dr. Sultangaziyev brings extensive experience in health system financing to Committee A, which will be crucial as member states negotiate the WHO’s budget for 2027-2028. With many countries still recovering from pandemic-related economic strain, these discussions will shape global health funding priorities for years to come.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akandoh’s appointment to Committee B signals continued African leadership in health policy. His expertise in health systems strengthening will be vital as the committee addresses issues like universal health coverage, health workforce development, and the integration of traditional and modern health practices.

Global Leaders Converge: Messages from Geneva to the World

The opening ceremony featured addresses from some of the world’s most influential leaders, each bringing their own perspective on global health challenges. H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor of Switzerland, welcomed delegates on behalf of the host country, emphasizing Switzerland’s commitment to supporting global health initiatives through both funding and technical expertise.

A particularly notable address came from H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and Special Guest of Honour. As a former health minister himself, President Mahama highlighted the progress Africa has made in health system strengthening while acknowledging remaining challenges, particularly in access to essential medicines and vaccines.

Video messages were also delivered by:

• H.E. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General: Who emphasized the need for “solidarity not silos” in global health governance
• H.E. Ahmad Al Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic: Who focused on the impact of conflict on health systems
• H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados: Who spoke about climate change’s growing threat to public health

Recognizing Legends: WHO’s Global Health Awards

One of the most moving moments of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the WHO Awards for Global Health to four distinguished professionals whose careers have spanned decades of service:

• Dr. Tore Godal (Norway) – Former Norwegian Minister of Health and long-time advocate for global health equity
• Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis (Senegal) – Pediatrician and public health leader with decades of work in maternal and child health
• Dr. Mike Ryan (Ireland) – Executive Director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and architect of the organization’s pandemic response strategies
• Dr. Heba El Sewedy (Egypt) – Epidemiologist whose work in disease surveillance has saved countless lives

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, presented the awards during his address, calling the recipients “guardians of global health” whose contributions have shaped the organization’s response to some of the most challenging health crises of our time.

“These awards are not just about recognizing individual achievements—they are about celebrating the collective effort that has made our global health architecture stronger. Each of these honorees has given their life’s work to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health for all.”

The Spanish Connection: Prime Minister Sánchez’s Call for European Leadership

The afternoon session concluded with an address from H.E. Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, who used his speech to call for stronger European leadership in global health. Spain, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, positioned itself as a potential bridge between European health systems and global health initiatives.

Prime Minister Sánchez highlighted three key priorities:

1. Strengthening the EU’s role in global health governance, particularly in vaccine development and distribution
2. Addressing health disparities within Europe itself, where access to care varies significantly between member states
3. Promoting health as a key component of the EU’s foreign policy, particularly in conflict zones and climate-vulnerable regions

His remarks came as the European Union faces increasing pressure to take a more active role in global health, particularly following recent debates about the bloc’s pandemic preparedness and the effectiveness of its European Medicines Agency.

What to Watch: Key Issues on the WHA79 Agenda

While the opening day set the stage, the real work begins now. Over the next week, delegates will tackle several critical issues:

• Pandemic Preparedness: Negotiations on a new international treaty to strengthen global response to future health emergencies
• Universal Health Coverage: Progress reports on member states’ commitments to ensure all people have access to essential health services
• Health Workforce: Strategies to address the global shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in underserved regions
• Antimicrobial Resistance: New global action plans to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections
• WHO Budget: Approval of the organization’s budget for 2027-2028, which will determine funding for critical programs

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Global Health?

The World Health Assembly will continue its work through May 28, with several key milestones to watch:

• May 21-22: Committee A and B meetings on budget and health policy
• May 23: High-level panel on universal health coverage
• May 24: Side event on health and climate change
• May 27-28: Final plenary sessions and adoption of resolutions

The outcomes of this assembly will shape global health for years to come. For the first time in decades, we have leadership that truly represents the global diversity of health challenges. The question now is whether this diversity will translate into effective, equitable solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the World Health Assembly

1. What is the World Health Assembly?

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization. Comprising health ministers from all 194 member states, it sets policies, approves the WHO’s budget, and oversees global health initiatives. It meets annually in Geneva.

2. How are decisions made at the WHA?

Decisions are typically made by consensus, though important resolutions can be adopted by a simple majority. Each member state has one vote, regardless of size or economic status. The assembly operates through two main committees (A and B) that handle technical discussions before presenting recommendations to the full assembly.

3. What was the most significant decision from last year’s WHA?

In 2025, the assembly adopted a landmark resolution on pandemic preparedness that called for stronger global cooperation, improved data sharing, and equitable access to medical countermeasures. It also approved a historic increase in funding for health emergencies.

4. How can I follow the WHA79 proceedings?

You can follow along through:

• The official WHA website
• Daily press releases (WHO Newsroom)
• Live streams on WHO YouTube
• Social media using #WHA79

5. What are the biggest challenges facing this year’s assembly?

The assembly faces several critical challenges:

• Finalizing a new pandemic treaty that balances national sovereignty with global cooperation
• Securing sufficient funding for WHO programs at a time when many countries face economic strain
• Addressing health workforce shortages, particularly in low- and middle-income countries
• Developing strategies to integrate climate change adaptation into health systems
• Ensuring equitable access to new medical technologies and vaccines