77th World Health Assembly concludes

The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) ends today in Geneva.

Hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the specialized UN agency that promotes health standards for all people, the WHA gathers delegates, partner agencies, representatives of civil society, and WHO experts to discuss public health objectives. It is the main decision-making body that ultimately guides members states own public health work.

This year, the WHA defined its strategic areas of interest in the eyes of current and future health priorities. In the short term, financial stress and economic recovery are expected to hinder any efforts for universal health coverage as the welfare state has come under scrutiny in the eyes of current events. However, outcomes of the WHA in the long term are expected to focus on antimicrobial resistance and immunization as climate change will likely exacerbate the effects of future pandemics. The Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Agreement is scheduled to push member states and harness the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health. The agreement would likely mean a more accountable WHO through oversight mechanisms and sustained funding to global preparedness. AI will also help with surveillance and  service innovation for reduced costs in the health systems.