The 77th World Health Assembly opened with a focus on global health security and access to healthcare. At the opening session, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, presented his nation’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program as a successful model for other countries. The program, which covers all aspects of healthcare from prevention to treatment, was lauded for its positive impact on Thailand’s health outcomes. Prime Minister Thavisin said, “[UHC] is a point of pride of our nation…It’s not just money, it’s a commitment from the whole society for social equity.”
In his address, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of finalizing a legally binding agreement on pandemics. While acknowledging the progress made in negotiations, Dr. Tedros stressed the importance of reaching a consensus to strengthen global preparedness and response capabilities.
Dr. Tedros said, “We all wish that we had been able to reach a consensus on the pandemic agreement in time for this health assembly and crossed the finish line. But I remain confident that you still will, because where there is a will, there is a way.”
“WHO financing is fragmented and unpredictable”
Financial sustainability of the WHO emerged as another key theme. Dr. Tedros highlighted the organization’s current reliance on unpredictable voluntary contributions. He urged member states to increase their core contributions and support the recently launched WHO investment round to ensure stable funding for the organization’s critical work. Dr. Tedros said, “WHO financing is fragmented and unpredictable… By the way when WHO was founded 70 years ago, this was the reverse, contributions were predictable. We don’t know when they will come or for how much they will be. This imbalance makes it very difficult to make long term plans or to attract and retain the people to implement them.”
The ceremony also saw the recognition of scientific achievement. Dr. Katalin Karikó and Professor Drew Weissman, developers of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, were awarded the Director-General’s Award for Global Health in recognition of their groundbreaking contribution.
In a separate development, Uruguay was nominated to replace Costa Rica on the Committee on Credentials following the withdrawal of a member. The Assembly will reconvene later today.
Key points
- Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program is highlighted by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as a model for other nations. The program covers all aspects of healthcare and is credited with improving health outcomes in Thailand.
- World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges member states to reach an agreement on a legally binding pandemic treaty. He acknowledges the progress made but emphasizes the importance of finalizing the agreement.
- Financial sustainability of WHO is another major theme. Dr. Tedros highlights the organization’s reliance on unpredictable voluntary contributions and calls for increased and more stable funding from member states. He commends the recent investment round launched by WHO.
- Dr. Katalin Karikó and Professor Drew Weissman receive the Director-General’s Award for Global Health for their work on the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.