Published on: 2026-05-18
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday opened the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reminded that on the eve, the organization declared an international emergency due tospread of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
He also noted that a week ago he traveled to Spain, where the evacuation and repatriation of passengers from the MV Hondius ship was completed.after the antivirus outbreak.Â
“These are only the most recent crises in our restless world,” said the head of WHO, also mentioning conflicts, economic shocks, climate change, and a reduction in international aid.
UN Secretary-General: aid cuts have dealt a blow to health systems
In his message to the participants of the assembly, the UN Secretary-GeneralAntónio Guterreswarns thatreduction of bilateral and multilateral assistanceover the past year has weakened healthcare systems and increased inequality.
“Clinics have closed. Medical workers have lost their jobs. Prevention, monitoring, and treatment have weakened. People are dying prematurely,” said the head of the UN.
He emphasized that VOZ remains a central element of the global health architecture and should ensure independence and sustainable financing.
A difficult period for WOAH
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the organization itself is going through a difficult period due to a sharp reduction in funding. According to him, many countries and WHO partners are concernedthe consequences of these reductions.
He emphasized that the WHO reform began nine years ago and included large-scale changes in scientific work, response to emergencies, and the financial model of the organization. Among the key achievements, Tedros named the creation of a science division, the launch of the WHO Academy in France, the development of digital systems, and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
The head of VOZ also reminded about the reform that followed the pandemicCOVID-19: creation of the center for operational and analytical information on pandemics and epidemics, mechanismsCOVAXand the pandemic control fund, as well asagreement of WHO on pandemics, adopted last year.
Reform of global healthcare
The main theme of today’s assembly was “Restructuring the global health system: shared responsibility.” Member states are discussing the reform of the global health system,preparation for pandemics, sustainable financing of WHO,fight against tuberculosisand resistance to antibiotics.
The agenda also includes issues of universal medical care, digital health care, international medical and sanitary regulations, and emergency response.
The head of VOZ stated that the current crisis should become a turning point for moving away from dependence on donors towards “sovereignty in the health care sector.”
“No country is dependent. Countries are about equality and sovereignty,” he emphasized.
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