Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 20 May 2025

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World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement to make the world more equitable and safer from future pandemics

Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics.

Key Outcomes of the Pandemic Agreement

  • The agreement addresses gaps and inequities identified in national and global responses to the pandemic.
  • It boosts global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable responses to future health crises.
  • Next steps include negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing system.

The Pandemic Agreement is a significant step toward creating a more resilient and just global health system. It aims to prevent future health crises from disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and to ensure that all nations have the resources and support needed to respond effectively.

Financial Commitments and Budget Allocation

The Assembly also approved the base programme budget for 2026–2027, valued at US$4.2 billion. This budget is the first to be fully developed based on the Fourteenth General Programme of Work, 2025–2028, which prioritizes advancing health equity and strengthening health systems resilience.

While the budget was reduced from the initial US$5.3 billion due to financial challenges, Member States agreed to preserve country-level funding where possible. The budget will allocate resources to enhance technical cooperation, foster partnerships, and support national and global health targets. The proposed programme also reaffirms the importance of multilateralism in addressing complex health challenges.

Member States also approved a gradual second 20% increase in assessed contributions, ensuring that WHO funding remains predictable, resilient, and adaptable to the rapidly changing financial landscape.

Global Leadership and Collaborative Efforts

During the high-level segment, delegates heard from high-profile leaders, including H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola and H.E. Andrej Plenković of Croatia. Video statements were made by numerous world leaders, underscoring the global commitment to health and cooperation.

Artists from Egypt and the Philippines performed at the Assembly, highlighting the role of culture in global health initiatives. The Director-General also presented awards to Professor Sir Brian Greenwood and Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck for their work in malaria control and beyond.

The Assembly, themed “One World for Health,” began on Monday, 19 May 2025, with the election of officials. Dr. Teodoro Herbosa of the Philippines was elected as President of the Health Assembly, with a diverse group of Vice-Presidents from various countries.

H.E. Elisabeth Baume-Schneider of Switzerland addressed the Assembly on behalf of the host country, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, WHO Director-General, delivered his report to the Assembly.

Looking Ahead

With the Pandemic Agreement and financial commitments in place, the World Health Assembly sets a new direction for global health. The focus now shifts to implementing the agreement, strengthening health systems, and ensuring that all nations benefit from the lessons learned during the pandemic.

As the Assembly concludes, the global community is united in its commitment to building a healthier, more equitable world. The decisions made today will shape the future of global health for years to come.

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