77th World Health Assembly (WHA77) Highlights
The Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly (WHA), the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), 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.
WHA77 Highlights
Approval of Global Health Strategy: Delegates approved a comprehensive four-year strategy (2025-2028) with a budget of US$ 11.1 billion aimed at enhancing global health. The strategy focuses on climate change, aging, migration, pandemic threats, and equity, and seeks to build resilient health systems post-COVID-19. The approved four-year global health strategy aims to address health threats posed by climate change and tackle the determinants and root causes of ill health across various sectors. It focuses on enhancing primary health care to achieve universal health coverage and improving health service coverage and financial protection to reduce inequities and gender disparities. Additionally, the strategy prioritizes preventing and preparing for health risks, as well as rapidly detecting and responding to health emergencies.
New Agreement on Transplantation: Member States, led by Spain, approved a resolution to increase the availability, ethical access, and oversight of human cell, tissue, and organ transplantation. The resolution aims to address the insufficient growth and unequal development of transplantation systems worldwide. Key measures include integrating donation and transplantation activities into healthcare systems, preventing organ trafficking, protecting donors, and providing proper follow-up care. The WHO is tasked with developing a global strategy on donation and transplantation by 2026 and considering the establishment of a World Donor Day.
AI in Health Care: A Strategic Roundtable discussed the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care, focusing on opportunities, risks, and governance. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros emphasized AI’s potential to revolutionize health care. Speakers from various sectors highlighted the need for partnerships, responsible regulation, and WHO’s leadership in ensuring an equitable digital future. The discussion underscored the importance of prioritizing public interest and addressing concerns about equity. Future steps include developing a renewed Global Strategy on Digital Health and AI (2026-2030), operationalizing the Global Initiative on AI for Health, and mobilizing resources to support responsible AI use in health systems.
Strategic Roundtable on Antimicrobial Resistance: A strategic roundtable addressed the urgent issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a leading cause of death globally, with 1.3 million deaths in 2019 attributed directly to bacterial AMR. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of the AMR crisis and called for global action to protect the effectiveness of antibiotics. He highlighted the upcoming United Nations high-level meeting in September and the Ministerial Conference on AMR in Saudi Arabia in November as crucial opportunities for global leaders to commit to and take action against AMR.
Resolution on Social Participation in Primary Health Care: The Assembly also approved a historic resolution on social participation in national health planning and implementation. This resolution aims to address health inequities and rebuild trust in health systems by fostering two-way dialogues between governments and the people they serve. WHO will support Member States in implementing this resolution through technical guidance, capacity-building support, and sharing of country experiences.
Landmark Resolution on Health and Climate Change: The Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly has passed a significant resolution recognizing climate change as a critical threat to global health. Supported overwhelmingly by Member States, the resolution emphasizes the urgent need for radical action to address the health risks posed by climate change. The resolution calls for integrating health considerations into national and international climate policies and building climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems. It aims to strengthen national health ministries’ capacities through technical support, empowering countries to implement robust climate-resilient health initiatives. WHO will continue to lead the global health response to climate change by scaling up efforts, raising awareness, providing technical support, and building capacity.
Agreement on Amendments to International Health Regulations: The Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly concluded with a landmark agreement on a comprehensive package of amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). These amendments aim to strengthen global preparedness, surveillance, and response to public health emergencies, including pandemics. This decision builds on lessons learned from previous health emergencies, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure robust systems are in place to protect global health and safety.
Commitment to a Global Pandemic Agreement: Member States have also committed to finalizing negotiations on a proposed global pandemic agreement within the next year. This agreement is intended to establish comprehensive, coordinated measures to better prepare for and respond to future outbreaks and pandemics.
Concluding Remarks: The 77th World Health Assembly has demonstrated an unprecedented level of commitment and collaboration among its 194 Member States to address pressing global health challenges. The Assembly’s theme, “All for Health, Health for All," was exemplified through decisive actions and agreements that will shape the future of global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) remains at the helm of these initiatives, providing leadership, technical support, and capacity-building to Member States. WHO’s continued efforts in raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and fostering international cooperation are crucial in advancing these global health priorities.
About World Patients Alliance: The World Patients Alliance applauds these significant strides made by the World Health Assembly. As an organization dedicated to representing patients globally, we are committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that the patient’s voice is integral in health policy decisions. The resolutions and agreements reached at this Assembly pave the way for a healthier, more equitable world, where all individuals can access the care and support they need. Together, we can achieve a future where health truly is for all.
For details and more information please visit: WHO News