Global health leaders, including ministers from across the Americas, have gathered in Geneva for the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), which is being held from May 19 to 27 at the Palais des Nations.

This year’s session, themed “One World for Health,” is set to address some of the most pressing issues in global health, with a focus on strengthening health systems, pandemic preparedness, and ensuring health equity across nations.

A key highlight of the Assembly is the anticipated adoption of a landmark pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response accord. Driven by World Health Organization (WHO) Member States, this agreement aims to reinforce global capacity to detect and respond to future pandemics in a more coordinated, efficient, and equitable manner.

Delegates will also discuss the WHO’s 2026–2027 Programme Budget, which forms part of the organization’s 14th General Programme of Work and outlines strategic priorities for the period 2025–2028.

The Assembly is also expected to address a wide array of global health issues, including the elimination of cervical cancer, the advancement of lung and kidney health, and the improvement of care for people with rare diseases.

Additional topics on the agenda include increasing access to diagnostic imaging, integrating traditional medicine, reducing lead exposure, enhancing healthcare financing, and combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Public sessions of the Assembly, including the Plenary and Committee meetings, are being streamed live on the WHO website with simultaneous interpretation available in English, Spanish, French, and other official languages, ensuring transparency and global access to the proceedings.

Countries from the Americas are playing a central role in the discussions, both through formal participation and through a series of side events co-hosted with partners from other regions. Nations including Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Haiti are actively contributing to sessions focused on critical regional and global health priorities.

These include strategies for eliminating measles, preventing obesity, harnessing digital technologies to enhance primary health care, ensuring sustainable financing for universal health coverage, and strengthening responses to noncommunicable diseases and mental health challenges.

The World Health Assembly is the WHO’s highest decision-making forum. It plays a vital role in setting global health policy, overseeing the organization’s financial matters, appointing the Director-General, and approving key budgetary frameworks.

As delegates from around the world collaborate over the next several days, the outcomes of WHA78 are expected to shape the trajectory of global public health and lay the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive future.