77th World Health Assembly Focuses on “All for Health, Health for All"
Geneva, Switzerland (May 27, 2024) – The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77), the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), is being convened from May 27 to June 1, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland. With the theme “All for Health, Health for All," the Assembly gathered delegates from 194 Member States to discuss and decide on global health priorities and strategies.
The Health Assembly commenced with the election of Dr. Edwin Dikoloti of Botswana as the President of the Assembly. Vice-Presidents elected were Dr. Frank C.S. Anthony of Guyana, Dr. Youngmee Jee of the Republic of Korea, Dr. Ala Nemerenco of the Republic of Moldova, Dr. Ali Haji Adam Abubakar of Somalia, and Dr. P.G. Maheepala of Sri Lanka.
In her address, H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councilor of the Swiss Confederation, welcomed delegates on behalf of the host country. The Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Mohamed El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and Chairperson of the African Union, alongside Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, also delivered speeches. Video statements were provided by H.E. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General; H.E. Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia; H.E. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand; and H.E. Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Internationally acclaimed Egyptian opera singer Farrah El-Dibany performed at the Assembly, sharing her personal story to highlight the healing power of music and the arts on health.
WHA77 comes on the heels of a busy spring, with countries continuing to negotiate the contours of a pandemic agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations. Topics such as the pandemic agreement, ongoing conflicts and health crises, and WHO’s upcoming Investment Round will likely dominate discussions among Member States.
Those interested in tracking WHA77 proceedings closely can easily access the latest information via the WHA77 landing page, which includes links to the livestream and important WHA documents, like the preliminary agenda and preliminary daily timetable. You may also be interested in watching the daily Strategic Roundtables beginning Tuesday, May 28, which bring together delegates, WHO experts, partner agencies, and civil society to discuss current priorities and solutions to critically important global health issues.
For more information on the WHA’s resolutions and updates, visit the WHO News Update.