78th World Health Assembly opens in Geneva with focus on 'One World for Health'

GENEVA - The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) opened Monday in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme "One World for Health".

Addressing the opening ceremony, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said every WHA is significant, but this year's gathering is particularly historic as member states are expected to consider and potentially adopt the pandemic agreement.

Tedros also called on member states to approve the next round of assessed contribution increases to help ensure the WHO's long-term financial sustainability and independence.

Lei Haichao, head of China's National Health Commission and leader of the Chinese delegation, delivered a statement during the general debate Monday, highlighting China's active engagement in global health cooperation.

He stated that over the past six decades, China has dispatched more than 30,000 medical personnel to 77 countries and regions, providing treatment to over 300 million patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China supplied 500 billion personal protective items and 2.3 billion doses of vaccines globally.

Lei reiterated that China will continue to support the WHO and multilateralism through concrete actions. He welcomed the organization's internal reforms and expressed China's willingness to work with other member states to build a global community of health for all.

He also said that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and the WHA has long made clear decisions not to include in its agenda a so-called proposal on Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer.

The remarks made by a small number of countries concerning Taiwan disrupted the agenda and went against the will of the international community, he noted, adding that China urges these countries to stop interfering in its internal affairs.

A major focus of this year's assembly is the deliberation of the much-anticipated pandemic agreement. The WHO announced on April 16 that, following more than three years of intensive negotiations, member states have reached a consensus on a draft of the agreement.

Delegates will also review the 2024 results report and deliberate on around 75 agenda items covering a wide range of topics, including the health and care workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, polio and climate change, among other issues.

Sustainable financing is another key issue. The Assembly is expected to discuss the proposed program budget for 2026-2027, which may be reduced from 5.3 billion US dollars to 4.267 billion dollars, alongside efforts to refocus priorities, strengthen core functions, and enhance organizational efficiency.

The World Health Assembly is the WHO's highest decision-making body and is typically held every May in Geneva. Its main responsibilities include setting organizational policies and reviewing and approving the program budget. This year's Assembly is scheduled to conclude on May 27.