Global Health Advances: Resolutions Highlight Equity, Innovation, and Disease Eradication

Landmark Resolution on Rare Diseases

Member States have approved a groundbreaking resolution that designates rare diseases as a global health priority. This move aims to ensure that no individual is left behind in the face of these conditions. Over 300 million people worldwide live with one of more than 7,000 rare diseases, many of which begin in childhood and can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

The resolution calls on countries to integrate rare disease care into national health strategies. It emphasizes the importance of universal health coverage, improved diagnosis methods, and affordable treatment options. Furthermore, the resolution mandates the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a 10-year global action plan with measurable targets to promote equity and accessibility for all affected individuals.

Global Health Financing Faces New Challenges

At a critical juncture, Member States have endorsed a resolution aimed at strengthening global health financing. This resolution reaffirms the commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) through people-centered primary health care. However, the current situation presents significant challenges, including a potential 40% reduction in external aid in 2025 and rising out-of-pocket health spending in many countries.

These factors have created a global health financing emergency, particularly impacting health systems in low- and middle-income economies. The resolution urges Member States to increase domestic funding for health and improve public financial management systems to maximize the impact on population health. WHO is tasked with reinforcing its technical functions to support these efforts and promote sustainable progress toward UHC.

Strengthening Evidence-Based Health Policies

To enhance health systems, Member States have approved a resolution that strengthens national capacities for developing and adapting public health guidance based on scientific evidence. This decision addresses persistent gaps in countries’ ability to generate, use, and scale relevant data and guidance, which are critical for improving health outcomes.

The resolution calls for increased investment in systems that support national guideline development, including regulatory frameworks, digital tools, and local research. WHO is also expected to maintain high standards in its normative products and assist Member States in adapting these tools at the country level. A global framework and action plan will be developed to foster cross-border collaboration and build regional science capacity.

Progress in Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease

The world is at a crucial moment in the fight against Guinea worm disease. Fourteen years after the last resolution, Member States have adopted a new one, reaffirming global commitment to eradication. With only 15 human cases reported in 2024 and transmission confined to five countries, this is a pivotal moment to accelerate progress.

This milestone follows the Abu Dhabi Declaration (2022) and the N’Djamena Declaration (2024). The new resolution supports WHO’s revised 2023 eradication strategy, which addresses the growing threat of dracunculus medinensis infections in animals, particularly in domestic dogs. The resolution emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that combines human, animal, and environmental health efforts.

Recognizing Skin Diseases as a Global Public Health Priority

A resolution on skin diseases as a global public health priority has been adopted. The Resolution underscores the urgent need to address the burden of all conditions primarily affecting the skin, as well as those with systemic components but skin-related manifestations.

Despite their visibility, awareness of skin conditions remains low, both among health workers and the general public. Weak surveillance systems further obscure their true public health impact. However, with proper training, medicines, and support, local health teams can effectively manage these conditions, strengthening primary care and advancing universal health coverage.

Indonesia Reassigned to Western Pacific Region

Member States have approved the reassignment of Indonesia from the South-East Asia Region to the Western Pacific Region. This decision was made following a proposal by the Indonesian government and was approved by Committee B during its fifth meeting. Indonesia will now be part of the WHO Western Pacific Region.