The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA), the supreme decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), opened on Monday in Geneva under the theme "All for Health, Health for All," with the participation of Morocco.
Morocco's delegation to the Assembly, which runs until June 1, is led by Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb.
The WHA provides an important venue for combating diseases such as HIV, measles and polio against the backdrop of climate emergencies and the rising incidence of diseases such as hypertension and obesity.
One of the highlights of the assembly will be the discussion on the Global Agreement on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.
Ahead of the Assembly, the WHO Investment Round kicked off to secure pledges from current and potential donors to ensure sustainable funding for the organization.
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the cumulative effects of climate change, epidemic outbreaks, and conflict are placing ever-increasing pressure on WHO to meet global health needs.
This Health Assembly offers Member States major opportunities to promote, ensure and protect the health and well-being of all with the adoption of the Fourteenth General Programme of Work and the Global Health Strategy for the next four years, he said.
This will support the ongoing transformation of the organization as part of the WHO investment round and make the world a safer place, thanks to the Agreement on Pandemics and the amendments to the International Health Regulations, he said.
One of the key milestones and outcomes expected at the Health Assembly is the approval, on May 28, of WHO's 2025-2028 strategy to address the health consequences of major phenomena such as climate change, aging populations, migration, and advances in science and technology.
Crucial decisions are expected on a range of health priorities, such as climate and health, WHO action in health emergencies, access to transformative tools, communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health, and women's health.
The Health Assembly will feature the high-level participation of political leaders and ambassadors, as well as representatives of civil society and non-state stakeholders, to underline the global commitment to advancing the public health agenda.
Strategic roundtables will also take place throughout the Health Assembly, with debates between Health Assembly delegates, partner organizations, civil society representatives, and WHO experts on public health priorities.
