Post-pandemic Decision Points

Next week, leaders from around the world will participate in the 77th World Health Assembly.

This year could be one of the most significant in our 76-year history as two years of government-led negotiations to strengthen the global pandemic and response apparatus are high on the agenda. Here are the key decisions to watch out for:

1. Health Security

Member States have in principle agreed to a package of amendments to strengthen the International Health Regulations. These amendments set out to improve how countries prepare for, detect and respond to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern, and will be part of a package put forward at the Assembly.

The International Health Regulations focus on raising countries capacities to detect and respond to public health events that are an international risk.

This process has been running in parallel to negotiations around a complementary international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response -- #PandemicAccord.

The pandemic agreement focuses on strengthening coordination for an international response to pandemics, with equitable access to personal protective equipment, vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics at the core.

Along with strengthened International Health Regulations, the pandemic agreement remains our best shot, and indeed our generational opportunity, at making sure next time a virus hits, we have a plan to get critical health tools to people quickly, effectively and fairly.

It will save lives and I’m asking country leaders to give it one last big push to get it over the line next week.

2. Global Health Strategy

Also, at the Assembly, WHO will be launching a new global health strategy – developed in partnership with 194 Member States and partners – which sets a course for getting the world back on track to hit the health related-Sustainable Development Goals.

Crucial decisions are expected on a range of health priorities such as climate and health, WHO’s work in health emergencies, access to transformative tools, communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, mental health, women’s health and the reform of WHO itself.  

3. The First Investment Round

On 26 May, WHO will be launching our first Investment Round, a new mechanism for WHO to fundraise financial resources.

The Investment Round is designed to ensure that voluntary contributions, which are currently the majority of our funding, will be more predictable, flexible, and sustainable.

Our new Investment Case outlines why and how supporting WHO is essential for progress in global health and saving millions of lives. It will be launched on 28 May during the Assembly.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that health is the most precious commodity on earth. A commodity that must be cherished, prized and fought for every day. It has also taught us that we are one humanity, and that the only way to confront shared threats is by working together to find shared solutions. This is why this year’s Health Assembly is: All for Health, Health for All.

The 77th World Health Assembly starts on 27 May and ends on 1st of June. For live updates, follow this webpage or WHO social media channels.