This week sees the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting. InterSurgeon discusses some of the highlights expected and what is happening with the World Health Organisation
WHO updates
This year marks a new milestone for the World Health Organisation (WHO) who, ahead of the USA withdrawing from the WHO in 2026, have seen a drastic cut in their budget. This shortfall is leading to a 20-25% cut in staffing and total restructuring of the organisation. Chief Scientist, Jeremy Farrar says; “[The WHO priorities are now] efficiency gains and resource mobilisation” Speaking at the Introduction to the 78th WHA: Critical Perspectives on Multilateralism in Global Health in 2025, Dr Farrar explained the new proposed structure which has had a bottom-up consultation but is being enacted from the top down. He said “reform should start at the top” and with this in mind they have already reduced the executive members from 11 to 6. Due to concerns in duplication of work between divisions, they are moving from a vertical to a horizontal structure which is what provides a multilateral approach. Mr Suwit Wibulpolprasert, Senior Advisor from the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand described the WHO as an “obese” organisation that has been moving very slowly for years.
The impact of the restructure of the WHO is not fully understood yet. A resolution is being put forward to move to a more sustainable funding model which would rely on less voluntary donations from countries and organisations which would spread the cost of the WHO more evenly between member states. In 2020-2023 the four largest voluntary contributions came from USA, Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, UK and Germany.1
WHA operational
The main aim to congregate in Geneva is for the World Health Assembly itself. This year is the 78th WHA. The main structure of the assembly doesn’t vary. It starts with the Plenary which is when delegates discuss housekeeping and pledge to adopt the resolutions. Next they have the credential committee which is mainly political agenda items. Then the general committee followed by committees A&B. The WHA only allows 2 formal events to happen at the same time although outside the Palais, there are many side events hosted by working groups and alliances forming the next resolutions for years to come.
Whilst the main WHO space is being renovated, they have been moving events to smaller rooms which impacts the number of delegates that can be physically present. As a result, the WHA have released an app which will be updated with the live schedule as the meetings are conducted. Interested parties who wish to speak may then attend the meeting at the appropriate time; reducing waiting times.
This year the current president of the WHO, The Minister of Health for the Philippines, will be in attendance and 5 vice presidents. 193 member states are expected to attend and Dr Gian Luca Burd, Adjunct Professor of International Law, Geneva Graduate Institute, said “China has the largest delegation…the USA have not registered any delegates to attend which is the first time since 1948.” Palestine and the Holy See will attend as well as observers, the public and the media. Non-state actors will also attend and these typically consist of non-government organisations, international business associations and philanthropic. Many will be looking to speak at the WHA and possibly put forward resolutions to the committee.
2025 Resolutions
Dr Burd outlined the main issues that will be raised at this year’s WHA which involve a sustainable budget program (as discussed above) and changes to existing and incumbent member states. Topics to be discussed include Indonesia moving from South East Asia region to Western Pacific region, Taiwan being invited to the WHO as an observer, Ukraine and 2 agenda items on Palestine in separate committee groups. In addition, WHO seeks to join the climate change discussions (18.3), make plans of action on anti-microbial resistance (15) and (16.2) adopt a pandemic agreement with plans for follow up work. A full agenda is available on the WHO website; https://www.who.int.
Tomorrow a report on the G4 permanent council and their decennial report
- All for Health, Health for All Investment case 2025–2028 accessed 18th May 2025; https://www.who.int/about/funding/invest-in-who/investment-case-2025-2028
