Morocco engages in the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva

Monday 19 May 2025 - 15:04

By: Zahouani Ilham

Morocco engages in the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva

The 78th World Health Assembly commenced on Monday at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, featuring the active participation of Morocco’s Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui.

Under the theme "One World for Health," this session gathers high-level delegates from various countries and key stakeholders to address critical global health issues. A central focus is a landmark agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, developed through three years of rigorous negotiations by the WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, comprising all member states.

This agreement marks only the second proposal submitted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, empowering member states to formalize binding global health agreements.

The Assembly will also review the 2026-2027 program budget aligned with the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work and the Global Health Strategy for 2025-2028. Discussions will cover priorities such as cervical cancer elimination, lung and kidney health, rare diseases, diagnostic imaging, skin disorders, traditional medicine, lead exposure, health financing, and antimicrobial resistance.

Taking place during a pivotal time for international health, the Assembly addresses emerging threats and shifts in the global health landscape. The emphasis on solidarity and equity reinforces WHO’s commitment to ensuring everyone worldwide has the chance to live a healthy life.

A major agenda item is the proposal for a 20% increase in assessed contributions for the 2026-2027 biennium. The budget was revised downward by 22%, from $5.3 billion to $4.267 billion, to reflect current financial realities and prioritize essential activities. This adjustment aims to maximize efficiency while focusing on WHO’s core responsibilities and advancing health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

The Assembly will consider around 75 agenda points, with over 40 resolutions expected for approval, including topics like health workforce, antimicrobial resistance, emergency preparedness, polio eradication, climate change, and the role of social communication in health.

The session includes 45 official events such as a high-level donor meeting and a ministerial roundtable on data and financing, alongside various parallel events organized by member states.

During the Assembly, Minister Tahraoui participated in several side meetings, including a high-level ministerial forum on African health financing and the 27th Francophone Health Meetings focused on human resources under the theme "No Health Without Talent."