The 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) opened in Geneva with the central theme "One World for Health". WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described this year's meeting as exceptional - the first time Member States are realistically considering adopting a global pandemic agreement, which has been in the works for more than three years.
Tedros also called on states to approve increase in membership fees, which would ensure the long-term financial stability and independence of the WHO.
Lei Haichao, head of the Chinese delegation and chairman of the National Health Commission of China, recalled in his speech that China has sent over 30,000 health workers to 77 countries in six decadeswhere they have helped more than 300 million patients. At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, China supplied 500 billion pieces of protective equipment and 2.3 billion doses of vaccines.
Lei also reaffirmed China's support multilateralism and WHO reforms and called for building together a global health community for all. He also mentioned that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and reiterated its opposition to proposals by several states to participate as an observer. He described these proposals as disrupting the agenda and interfering in China's internal affairs.
The main item on the agenda is the proposal pandemic agreements, the conceptual text of which, according to the WHO, was agreed in April. Delegates will also consider the 2024 outcome report and some 75 agenda items, which include topics such as health personnel, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, health emergencies or polio eradication.
A key issue is also Sustainable funding for WHO. Discussions are expected on the 2026-2027 budget, which may be reduced from the original $5.3 billion to $4.267 billion. The aim is to streamline work, redefine priorities and strengthen the core functions of the organisation.
The World Health Assembly is the WHO's highest decision-making body and is traditionally held every May in Geneva. This year's session runs until 27 May.
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