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As the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA79) continues its proceedings in Geneva, the global health agenda is being reshaped by a series of critical resolutions aimed at addressing both enduring infectious threats and the rising tide of noncommunicable diseases. On May 21, 2026, delegates from Member States took decisive action to formalize strategies for tuberculosis (TB) control, recognize the growing burden of liver disease, and prioritize the needs of those living with rare bleeding disorders.
The assembly, which serves as the primary decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), is focused on reinforcing universal health coverage and global health security. These discussions are particularly salient as health systems worldwide continue to navigate the long-term impacts of the pandemic, climate-related displacement, and persistent economic inequalities that threaten to derail the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a physician, I find these developments encouraging, particularly the shift toward proactive, long-term policy planning that prioritizes the most vulnerable populations.
Charting a Path Beyond 2030 for Tuberculosis Control
A primary focus of today’s session was the future of the global fight against tuberculosis. Member States have officially requested the WHO Director-General to develop a comprehensive post-2030 strategy to end the disease, with the final framework to be presented at the Eighty-first World Health Assembly in 2028. This move is designed to ensure continuity and alignment with the upcoming 2028 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB, as reported by the World Health Organization.
The decision comes at a pivotal moment. While the current End TB Strategy has seen significant success—with an estimated 83 million lives saved through expanded treatment between 2000 and 2024—the world remains off track to reach the 2030 targets. The assembly’s discussions highlighted that while 2024 marked a notable decline in TB incidence and record-high access to essential services, these gains are threatened by chronic underfunding, conflict, and the ongoing climate crisis. The new strategy aims to integrate TB response more deeply into primary health care and broader health security agendas, ensuring that scientific advances in diagnostics and treatment are translated into tangible clinical outcomes for patients globally.
Recognizing Steatotic Liver Disease as a Global Health Priority
In a significant shift for noncommunicable disease (NCD) policy, delegates approved a resolution recognizing steatotic liver disease (SLD) as a major and growing global health challenge. Formerly known as fatty liver disease, this condition is now understood to affect approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide, as detailed in recent WHO policy briefings. The recognition of SLD as a primary driver of chronic liver disease is a welcome step for clinicians who see the condition’s direct links to the rising prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The resolution calls for a multisectoral approach to address the underlying risk factors of SLD, including unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and the harmful use of alcohol. By integrating SLD management into national NCD strategies, countries are urged to improve surveillance, early screening, and access to care. For those at risk, particularly children and adolescents, the focus on early intervention is critical to preventing the progression of the disease to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. The WHO will provide technical support to Member States and report on progress biennially to ensure this NCD receives the sustained attention it requires.
Strengthening Care for Haemophilia and Bleeding Disorders
Addressing a long-standing gap in health equity, the Assembly also adopted a resolution to improve the diagnosis and treatment of haemophilia and other rare bleeding disorders. It’s estimated that nearly 70% of individuals living with haemophilia globally remain undiagnosed, leaving them at risk for severe complications and permanent disability, according to data highlighted during the WHA79 technical sessions. By committing to integrate bleeding disorder management into national policies on primary health care and maternal health, Member States are taking a concrete step toward closing this equity gap.
The resolution encourages the inclusion of essential, life-saving therapies—including factor concentrates and novel non-factor treatments—in national lists of essential medicines. Beyond clinical care, the initiative aims to reduce the social stigma associated with these conditions through improved public awareness and better national data collection. This is a vital development for patient advocacy groups who have long sought the formal recognition of these disorders within the broader framework of global health policy.
Rebuilding Trust: Tackling Health Misinformation
Recognizing that medical progress is only effective if the public trusts the science behind it, the Assembly held a strategic roundtable on health mis- and disinformation. Leaders from governments, media, and the scientific community reached a clear consensus: the spread of false health information is not merely a communication nuisance but a direct threat to public health that undermines the delivery of life-saving interventions.
The discussion emphasized that the solution requires moving beyond the reactive “fact-checking” model toward a proactive strategy of building resilient information ecosystems. By empowering health workers as trusted community voices and leveraging scientific networks to disseminate evidence, the WHO and its partners aim to restore public confidence. As we look ahead, the priority is to foster transparent, ongoing dialogue between health authorities and the populations they serve. For those interested in the full scope of these discussions, the official event recordings provide further insight into these multisectoral efforts.
Key Takeaways from the Assembly
- Tuberculosis: A new post-2030 strategy is officially in development to align with 2028 UN goals.
- Liver Health: Steatotic liver disease is now a formal priority in the global NCD agenda.
- Equity: New commitments aim to diagnose and treat the estimated 70% of people with haemophilia currently living without access to care.
- Information Integrity: A renewed push for proactive communication strategies to combat health disinformation.
As the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly progresses, we expect further discussions on pandemic preparedness and the implementation of the new, updated International Health Regulations. These sessions will continue throughout the week in Geneva, with final reports and summaries expected to be published on the official World Health Organization portal shortly after the conclusion of the assembly. Please check back for further updates as we continue to track these critical global health developments. We welcome your thoughts on these initiatives—please feel free to share this article or join the discussion in the comments below.