Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 22 May 2025
Health progress despite financial challenges
During the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, delegates reviewed the 2024 Results Report and discussed the financing and implementation of the Programme budget for 2024–2025. Member States praised the transparency and detailed information provided, but expressed concern over the slow progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They also called for more equitable funding across the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Assembly approved decision 78/17 Add.1 and 78/17 Add.2. Delegates welcomed WHO’s Investment Round, which aims to fund the Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (2025–2028). This global health strategy has the potential to save 40 million lives if fully funded. By April 2025, US$1.7 billion in pledges had been received, with an additional US$210 million committed during the Health Assembly. Over 62 pledges were made by Member States, with 35 being first-time contributors.
The pledges demonstrate global solidarity in the face of significant challenges. The committee urged increased efforts to secure predictable, resilient, and flexible funding for WHO’s initiatives.
Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response
Over the past year, WHO has responded to 51 graded emergencies across 89 countries, including outbreaks of cholera and mpox, as well as multiple humanitarian crises. In partnership with over 900 organizations across 28 health clusters, WHO provided health assistance to 72 million people in humanitarian settings. Nearly 60% of new emergencies were climate-related, highlighting the growing health impacts of climate change.
Member States noted WHO’s Director-General’s report on the implementation of the Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Resilience (HEPR) framework. The report outlined progress in key areas such as disease surveillance, community protection, and emergency coordination, but stressed that insufficient and unpredictable funding poses a significant risk to global health systems.
The Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee (IOAC) for WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme presented several recommendations to the Director-General to strengthen WHO’s emergency response capabilities. The chair of the IOAC praised WHO’s leadership, particularly that of Dr. Mike Ryan, the outgoing Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme.
International Health Regulations remain a cornerstone of global health security
Member States reviewed the Director-General’s report on the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005). In 2024, WHO assessed over 1.2 million raw signals related to public health risks, identifying 429 events with potential or actual international public health implications. All countries but one submitted their self-assessment reports to the Assembly.
The Assembly recommended that the Director-General notify Palestine of the International Health Regulations (2005), a step toward Palestine expressing interest in becoming a State Party. This follows the resolution approved last year to align Palestine’s participation in WHO with its participation in the United Nations. The Assembly also noted the Standing Recommendations for COVID-19 and mpox, which are valid until 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Member States urge research into public health and social measures to control outbreaks and pandemics
Member States approved a decision urging the strengthening of research on public health and social measures. These nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as screening, personal hygiene, and travel restrictions, played a critical role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the evidence base on their effectiveness remains limited.
WHO’s response to health needs in Ukraine and refugee-hosting countries
Delegates reviewed the Director-General’s report on WHO’s response to the health emergency caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. In 2024, WHO reached 4.7 million people in Ukraine and over 400,000 refugees in neighboring countries with health support. WHO delivered over US$32.5 million in medicines, medical equipment, and supplies to Ukraine and US$4.9 million to refugee-hosting countries. Since February 2022, 2254 attacks on health care have been verified, resulting in 710 injuries and 208 deaths.
Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem
Delegates reviewed the Director-General’s report on the current health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory. The Gaza Strip faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, destruction, and death. The health system has been severely degraded by attacks, shortages of medicines, and restricted access. Between January 2024 and February 2025, 376 attacks on health care were reported in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 286 deaths and 591 injuries.
The health crisis in the West Bank has worsened since January 2025, with escalating violence and movement restrictions hindering access to health care. WHO’s response has focused on essential health services, public health surveillance, and partner coordination. The report emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access to protect health facilities.