The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) took place from 19 to 27 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “One World for Health”. As a non-state actor in official relation with the World Health Organization, the IHF can actively participate to the WHO’s governance meetings. Following the successful trial in 2024, the IHF renewed its offer for Full and Premier members to engage in the WHA this year. Four IHF representatives participated in the event, experiencing first-hand the benefits of IHF–WHO relations while networking with a broad spectrum of stakeholders attending the Assembly and its side events. 

Engaging with the WHA programme

This year, we welcomed Anders Frafjord (President of the Norwegian Hospital and Health Service Association and Deputy CEO, Oslo University Hospital), Barbara Joers (CEO of Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, United States), Henriette Neumeyer (Vice-Chair of the Board, German Hospital Federation and IHF Governing Council Member) and Dr Muna Tahlak (CEO, Latifa Women and Children Hospital, UAE and IHF President).

Delegates had the opportunity to attend the official programme of the World Health Assembly inside the Palais des Nations as well as many other side events organized by governments and non-State Actors.

Henriette Neumeyer, Vice-Chair of the Board, German Hospital Federation, and IHF Governing Council Member, shared her personal reflections on her experience.

“As a representative of the German Hospital Federation, I was keen to contribute a hospital system perspective to global health discussions and to connect with international peers working on similar challenges. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with high-level decision-makers and understand emerging global health priorities – particularly those shaping future healthcare resilience and governance. The WHA offers unparalleled insight into the global health agenda and allows hospital leaders to build relationships across regions, share strategies, and advocate for stronger health systems.

One special moment was meeting WHO Director-General Dr Tedros in person. His commitment to equity and health system strengthening truly resonated. It reaffirmed the importance of hospitals as essential anchors in global health security.”

Barbara Joers, President & CEO of Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare (Minnesota, USA), explained why attending the WHA was so significant.

“I lead an organization dedicated to providing clinical care, advancing research, and advocating for children with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. Our patients face lifelong and complex needs, with most living with physical disabilities; notably, one in five has a diagnosed rare disease.

During WHA78, I engaged with international colleagues to discuss the unique challenges and solutions relevant to the populations we serve. The Assembly provided invaluable early insight into emerging global standards, regulatory frameworks, and shifting international health priorities – insights that are essential for positioning our organization at the forefront of innovation and compliance. Participating in the World Health Assembly has offered unparalleled strategic advantages for Gillette Children’s, reinforcing our commitment to advancing care for children with complex medical needs and strengthening our role in the global healthcare community.”

Throughout the 78^th WHA, Member States considered approximately 75 items and sub-items across all areas of health. Through debates and resolutions, many significant decisions were made to deliver on the commitment of the meeting delegates to improve health for all. Among the highlights were the approval of a pandemic agreement; a new target to halve the health impacts of air pollution by 2040; a resolution to address rare diseases; and other resolutions including those for digital health, and the health and care workforce.

International engagement across the IHF community

During the WHA, the IHF team and representatives also had the opportunity to meet with colleagues from other IHF Member organizations, also attending meetings in and around the event. These included Dr Dina Alismail (Executive Director of Health Diplomacy at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)), IHF Governing Council Member Dr Sami Al Farsi (Director General, National Center for Women and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, Oman) and Dr Qasem Al Salmi (Director General of Planning at the Ministry of Health, Oman).

Maternal health in the spotlight

For the IHF, the WHA also provided an opportunity to underscore the important role of hospital leaders in addressing the Sustainable Development Goal targets related to maternal health. On 26 May, Sara Perazzi, IHF Senior Partnerships and Programme Manager, was invited to address the meeting to read an Individual Statement on safer maternal care. Read more about this statement, and the wider commitments of IHF members in relation to overcoming barriers to maternal health and realizing the goals of universal health coverage here.

Experiencing wider International Geneva initiatives

On Tuesday 20 May, the IHF’s invited representatives at the WHA took part in a special visit to the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) and the Swiss Foundation for Innovation and Training in Surgery (SFITS). Accompanied by Karine Martinez, External Affairs Deputy at the HUG, the visit was also attended by Dr Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairman of Egypt Healthcare Authority and IHF Governing Council Member, Mazen Aladdin, Assistant Director of Communication and International Cooperation at Egypt Healthcare Authority, David Entwistle President and CEO of Stanford Health Care, and Sean Hennessey-Hsieh, Managing Director of Strategic Ventures at Stanford Health Care.

The visit was followed by a guided tour of Geneva’s Old Town, highlighting the city’s rich healthcare history, and concluded with a dinner hosted by the IHF. Additional guests at the dinner included Robert Mardini, CEO of the HUG and IHF Governing Council Member, and members of a Taiwanese delegation who had held a separate meeting with the IHF and Geneva Sustainability Centre during the week to sign a memorandum of understanding on a programme of work to advance leadership for sustainable healthcare in the territory. Attending the dinner from this group were Ching- Feng Lin, Chief Executive Officer, Taiwan Hospital and Social Welfare Organizations Administration Commission, Shu-Li Chia, Deputy Director-General, Taiwan Health Promotion Administration, and Dr Bih-Jeng Chang, Secretary General, Taiwan Medical Association.

Onwards to the World Hospital Congress

At the IHF, we are committed to connecting members across our global community, learning from each other’s experiences and good practice. Attending events like the WHA with IHF Members is a great way to promote global learning and knowledge exchange.

The next global gathering for the IHF community takes place in Geneva from 10 to 13 November and everyone is welcome to join us! The programme for this year’s World Hospital Congress is now live and early bird registration is open.