Geneva (GNP): The 79th session of the World Health Assembly commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 18, 2026, as health ministers, senior officials, and delegations from WHO member states gathered to deliberate on pressing global health challenges. The high-level assembly serves as the principal decision-making body of the World Health Organization, convening annually to shape international health policy and define the organization’s strategic direction for the years ahead.
The 79th World Health Assembly elected Dr. Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic as its President to lead the session. Six Vice-Presidents were also elected, including Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj of Libya, Dr. Assa Badiallo Touré of Mali, Mrs. Katarzyna Drążek-Laskowska of Poland, Mrs. Neesha Mehta of Nepal, and Mr. Elias Kapavore of Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, Dr. Timur Sultangaziyev of Kazakhstan and Dr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of Ghana were appointed to chair Committee A and Committee B, respectively, as the assembly moved forward with its formal proceedings.
During the high-level welcome session, H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation, addressed the Health Assembly on behalf of the host country Switzerland. H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, attended as Special Guest of Honour and also addressed the Assembly.
The Assembly also received video messages from H.E. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Ahmad Al Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the Assembly and presented the Awards for Global Health to Dr. Tore Godal, Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr. Mike Ryan, and Dr. Heba El Sewedy, recognizing their lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
H.E. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, attended as a Special Guest and addressed the Assembly at the conclusion of the afternoon plenary session.
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Key Issues on the Agenda at the 79th World Health Assembly
The 79th World Health Assembly is scheduled to run from 18 to 23 May 2026. Due to ongoing renovations at the Palais des Nations, the Health Assembly is being co-located at the Palais and at the WHO Headquarters. The session will address a wide range of critical global health issues, including the WHO Pandemic Agreement, antimicrobial resistance, public health emergency preparedness, climate change and health, and the implementation of the International Health Regulations.
A series of Strategic Roundtables will be held throughout the week, bringing together WHA delegates, partner agencies, civil society representatives, and WHO experts to discuss current and future priorities for public health issues of global importance.
79th WHA builds upon the momentum established at the 78th World Health Assembly, which adopted the Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health. This Assembly is expected to further advance discussions on the relationship between climate change and global health outcomes, with several Member States and civil society organizations hosting side events on climate, air pollution, energy, and health at the margins of the session.
Global Parliamentary Forum
On May 20, 2026, the World Health Organization and the Inter-Parliamentary Union will co-host a Global Parliamentary Forum on the sidelines of WHA79, urging parliamentarians worldwide to take an active role in advancing the WHO Pandemic Agreement and strengthening sustainable health financing at the national level.
The World Health Assembly serves as the supreme decision-making body of the WHO, bringing together delegations from all 194 member states. The assembly focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board, with core responsibilities that include formulating WHO policies, overseeing financial matters, and reviewing and approving the proposed programme budget. The 79th session is widely regarded as one of the most consequential gatherings in global health diplomacy this year.
