Key sessions at the 79th World Health Assembly
From 18 to 23 May 2026, the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) convened in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “Reshaping global health”. As the global health system faces increasing stress, Member States came together to plan the future of the World Health Organization and the broader international health system.
Here are some of the key discussions at the WHA that you should know about:
Member States establish a joint reform process for the global health architecture
The 79th WHA took place at a critical moment for global health financing. The WHO is currently grappling with nearly a billion-dollar shortfall in the current budgetary biennium (2026–2027), driven in large part by the announced withdrawal of the United States and the suspension of its contributions. This triggered a 21% cut to WHO’s budget and a sweeping restructuring: the organization shrank from 11 to six divisions and from 67 to 36 departments, and its total workforce dropped by nearly 10%. Beyond WHO, key partner institutions such as Gavi and the Global Fund are also operating under reduced envelopes following replenishment shortfalls.
In this context, Member States adopted a landmark decision empowering WHO to host a joint process, led by member states and in coordination with global health partners, to develop options and recommendations for reforming the global health architecture. The Director-General is expected to release a summary report by 2027.
Related agenda item: https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA79/A79_24-en.pdf
Countries adopt landmark resolution on precision medicine, with equity at its core
Member States adopted a landmark resolution on precision medicine, placing health equity at the very heart of the agenda. Recognizing the extraordinary potential of genomics and personalized therapies, the resolution calls on WHO to develop a global strategy to ensure that the benefits of precision medicine are accessible to all and do not become only available to wealthier nations. The goal is to harness scientific innovation while actively preventing it from widening existing health inequities between countries.
Related agenda item: https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB158/B158_R2-en.pdf
Global Code on health worker recruitment updated for the first time in 16 years
For the first time in 16 years, the Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel was updated. The updated Code places emphasizes the need of co-investment, recognizing that international recruitment should generate mutual benefit for both source and destination countries. As health workforce shortages intensify globally, this revision seeks to make international mobility a more equitable and sustainable process for all parties.
Related agenda item : https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA79/A79_5Add3-en.pdf
WHO Pandemic Agreement
Building on the historic adoption of the Pandemic Agreement at last year’s Assembly, Member States agreed at WHA79 to continue drafting the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex, a critical and still unresolved component of the Agreement. The PABS Annex is designed to ensure equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics during future pandemics, addressing one of the deepest fault lines exposed by COVID-19. Negotiations are expected to conclude by May 2027. Once the Annex has been finalized, countries may proceed with signature and ratification of the full Pandemic Agreement.
Related news item : https://www.who.int/news/item/28-03-2026-who-member-states-agree-to-extend-negotiations-on-key-annex-to-the-pandemic-agreement
A new WHO Director-General by 2027
As WHO navigates one of the most turbulent periods in its history, Member States confirmed that the election of a new Director-General will take place by May 2027. The Executive Board at its 160th session in 2027 will nominate up to three candidates for consideration by the World Health Assembly. The appointment of the next Director-General will take place at the Eightieth World Health Assembly, due to take place in May 2027.Whoever succeeds Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will inherit an institution that has been significantly resized and reshaped and will need to manage complex geopolitical dynamics.
Related agenda item : https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB159/B159_10-en.pdf
The discussions and resolutions from this assembly will guide global health strategies in the coming years, aiming to create a more equitable and resilient health landscape. Looking ahead, we invite you to join us at the World Hospital Congress 2026 in Seoul, where healthcare leaders will gather to share insights, forge partnerships, and shape the future of sustainable healthcare.
