Health Minister Set to Represent Nation at 78th World Health Assembly: Key Global Health Initiatives Ahead!
TEHRAN – An Iranian delegation led by Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi is set to participate in the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), scheduled from May 19 to June 27 in Geneva, Switzerland. This year’s assembly, themed ‘One World for Health’, aims to unite high-level representatives from various countries to tackle pressing health challenges. The timing of this gathering is crucial, as nations face emerging threats and significant transformations in the realm of global health and international development.
The theme for WHA78 accentuates the World Health Organization’s (WHO) unwavering commitment to solidarity and equity. It emphasizes the necessity for everyone, regardless of their circumstances, to have an equal opportunity to lead a healthy life, especially during unprecedented times.
During the assembly, participants will engage in discussions regarding current and future priorities and challenges that influence global health. As reported by IRNA, Alireza Biglari, an official from the health ministry, stated that member states will share their perspectives on various documents related to health systems and initiatives.
Minister Zafarqandi will deliver a statement covering 35 specific documents tied to Iran’s health system. These documents include:
- 29 on general health activities
- 6 focusing on the operations of different departments and international cooperation
Additionally, specialized committees will review critical topics such as:
- Budget and financial issues
- Membership status of member states
- Auditing matters
- Concerns raised during the WHO executive board session
According to Biglari, a comprehensive total of 56 topics will be deliberated during the WHA78 through various documents.
On the sidelines of the assembly, Minister Zafarqandi intends to meet with his counterparts from several nations, including:
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Qatar
- Oman
- Iraq
- Saudi Arabia
- India
- Cuba
He will also hold discussions with the WHO director for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) to strengthen ties and collaboration.
A significant highlight of WHA78 will be the consideration of the Pandemic Agreement, a groundbreaking proposal developed after three years of diligent negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, which includes all WHO Member States. The adoption of this agreement represents a once-in-a-generation chance to protect the world from the devastating impacts of future pandemics, similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 crisis.
This proposal will be the second ever presented for approval under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which empowers Member States to form agreements on global health matters.
Moreover, sustainable financing remains a top priority for the Health Assembly. Member States are expected to evaluate a proposed 20 percent increase in assessed contributions (membership fees) aimed at the upcoming Program Budget 2026–2027 (PB26-27). This program budget represents the first complete biennium under the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), which outlines the organization’s health strategy for the years 2025–2028.
Currently, the proposed Program Budget for 2026–2027 is undergoing consultation among Member States, with the objective of prioritizing activities and making necessary adjustments to align with current financial realities. The budget is set to be reduced by 22 percent, bringing it down to US$ 4.267 billion from the initially proposed US$ 5.3 billion.
Reprioritization of WHO’s initiatives, including cost-saving measures and budget adjustments, will also extend to the current year, 2025. This strategic realignment is essential to focus on WHO’s core responsibilities and enhance operational efficiency. The adjustments aim to align WHO’s resources with the most urgent global health needs, ensuring progress towards health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On May 21, a Ministerial Roundtable focused on data and sustainable financing will take place. This high-level meeting will convene health and finance ministers, global partners, and technical leaders to identify actionable steps that can enhance country-led health data systems and sustainable financing strategies for universal health coverage and the health-related SDGs.
As the WHA78 unfolds, the collaborative efforts and discussions among Member States will be crucial in shaping the future of global health, setting a foundation for resilience against health challenges that lie ahead.
