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At the World Health Assembly today, Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented his comprehensive report on the activities of the World Health Organization (WHO) to member states. The assembly commenced discussions centered around the theme, ‘Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.’
Achievements and Awards
The WHO Secretariat awarded certificates recognizing exceptional contributions to public health, particularly in tobacco control, under the World No Tobacco Day awards.
Pandemic Preparedness and the PABS Annex
The assembly resolved to continue negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) Annex within the framework of the Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on the WHO Pandemic Agreement. This initiative, mandated by Article 12 of the agreement, aims to create a more equitable response framework for future pandemics.
Member states have been engaged in extensive negotiations over the past year regarding this annex, with outcomes presented at the assembly. It was agreed that the results of these negotiations will be submitted for consideration at the Eightieth World Health Assembly in May 2027, or during a special session in 2026. The adoption of the PABS Annex is crucial for the WHO Pandemic Agreement to be opened for signature. Negotiations will resume in July 2026 at the seventh IGWG meeting.
Committee Discussions and Global Health Challenges
In Committee A, delegates examined preparedness for public health emergencies and reviewed reports on the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) and the Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme. Attention was also given to the health impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, focusing on protecting healthcare services and workers in these regions. Additionally, the committee adopted a decision regarding the health emergency in Lebanon.
Reflecting on Global Health Crises
A strategic roundtable was held concurrently with the assembly, commemorating the WHO Health Emergencies Programme’s tenth anniversary. Global leaders reflected on lessons from COVID-19 and other health crises. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHE, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the pandemic’s role as a stress test for global health systems, revealing vulnerabilities in preparedness, equity, and trust.
Experts like Professor Johanna Hanefeld and Dr. Daniela Garone discussed the transformative potential of epidemic intelligence, advanced analytics, and sustainable financing in bolstering preparedness. Dr. John-Arne Røttingen emphasized the importance of an end-to-end approach to ensuring equitable access to medical advancements.
Country-specific experiences were shared, illustrating the application of these lessons. Ethiopia’s Health Minister, Dr. Mekdes Daba Feyssa, outlined improvements in laboratory and workforce capacities driven by the COVID-19 response. In the Central African Republic, Minister Dr. Pierre Somsé described how integrated approaches like the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) are enhancing preparedness efforts.
The session underscored the critical need to convert lessons from COVID-19 into sustained investments and stronger global health systems. While progress has been made, the finalization of the PABS Annex is pivotal for future preparedness. The challenge remains to ensure these lessons translate into long-term, equitable health solutions.
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