Reflections from WHA78: Optimism Meets Budget Reality
From 14 to 28 May, the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) brought together health ministers, policymakers, and experts from 194 WHO Member States in Geneva. As Global Health Hub, we were pleased to see that many of our partners were present—whether to gain inspiration, share their expertise, or take the lead in hosting and organising side sessions. When asked about their impressions of WHA78, the responses were mostly positive, though nearly all partners voiced strong concerns regarding the recent budget cuts. Below, some reflections by GHH-partners that attended the WHA78:
Wemos: insufficient attention to tax abuse on public (health) budgets
“The recent funding cuts affecting WHO and many global health programs, combined with the need for increased spending such as on pandemic risks, made health financing the talk of the day at this past WHA78,” says Mariska Meurs from Wemos. “Many ideas were being tested and discussed with only a few side events and speakers calling for what – to me – seems the obvious: fighting tax abuse. While we warmly welcome the resolution adopted on Strengthening Health Financing Globally, I do consider it a missed opportunity that it doesn’t address the impact of tax abuse on public (health) budgets. Maybe at WHA79!”
Access to Medicine Foundation: fewer representatives from low- and middle-income countries
“In light of the upcoming 4th high-level meeting on NCDs at the UNGA, a broadly discussed topic during the 78th World Health Assembly included the global context surrounding NCDs”, says Anne-Charlotte Douard from ATMF. “There were also discussions around the evolving global health landscape, including the US funding cuts. These issues are also of key importance to the Access to Medicine Foundation and have been prominently featured in our recent publications, such as the 2024 Access to Medicine Index, and a recent op-ed from our CEO, Jayasree K. Iyer.”
“Budget cuts may have played a role in limiting the participation of representatives from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) - a missed opportunity, as noted by the Access to Medicine Foundation, which believes that broader LMIC representation is essential for shaping equitable global health policy.” The Foundation (co-)hosted three successful side events on local manufacturing, medical oxygen, and access to insulin.
Philips: adoption of resolution on medical imaging is a milestone
“We see the World Health Assembly as a key moment to meet with ministers of health, exchange experiences, and share good practices on the implementation of healthcare innovations that improve access, quality, and sustainability of care”, explains Ruth van Asperen from Philips.
“At this year’s World Health Assembly, we were proud to see the adoption of the first-ever resolution on medical imaging — a milestone that reinforces our commitment to expanding access to quality diagnostics and precision care globally.”
“We also actively supported the global Stroke Coalition event, where partners came together to accelerate improvements in stroke diagnosis and care. These important discussions reflect our shared mission to help build stronger, more connected health systems and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.”
PharmaAccess: different tone at the WHA
Kwasi Boahene, Director of Health Systems at PharmaAccess, noticed that the tone had changed at this WHA event due to the cuts: less posturing, more pragmatism. “The cracks in global health are visible – but they’re also seen as entry points for real reforms. I left Geneva with hope, not hype.”