Geneva, May 29 (AseanAll) — Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa officially concluded his presidency of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) on 27 May 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
This marked a historic first for the Philippines as this is the first time a Filipino has been elected to preside over the World Health Assembly since the World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948. This successful presidency reflects the Philippines’ growing leadership and influence in global health diplomacy.
In his closing statement, Herbosa stated, “When we entered this Assembly, we were confronted with a myriad of uncertainties. However, this Assembly has reaffirmed the central role of the World Health Organization in overseeing global health, while highlighting the urgent need to reform, adapt, and finance a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient global health architecture. And today, we are ending with profound hope and renewed zeal.”
A defining milestone of WHA78 was the adoption of the “WHO Pandemic Agreement” after three-and-a-half years of negotiations. The international instrument aims to ensure a more coordinated, equitable and effective global response to future pandemics.
The Assembly also adopted the Philippine-led resolution, “Accelerating Action on the Global Health and Care Workforce by 2030.” This landmark document represents a significant step toward addressing global health workforce challenges, strengthening national and subnational capacities, and enhancing international cooperation to ensure the sustainability of health and care systems.
Throughout WHA78, the Philippine delegation actively engaged in various sessions and discussions. Key highlights of the delegation’s participation include:
●29 country interventions delivered in plenary and committee sessions;
●56 side events, including 13 co-hosted by the Philippines and 23 where Philippine delegates served as panel speakers;
●19 bilateral meetings with Member States, international organizations, and non-government organizations, including high-level meetings with four Ministers of Health and the heads of WHO, UNAIDS, and IOM; and
●A Philippine Presidential Reception for WHA78 delegates;
●Two community events with the Filipino community in Geneva.
Aligned with the Philippines’ Eight-Point Action Agenda for Health (2023–2028), the Philippine delegation actively championed national health priorities such as universal health coverage, primary health care, mental health, HIV, tuberculosis, noncommunicable diseases, and antimicrobial resistance.
The 78th World Health Assembly convened from 19 to 27 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The next Assembly will be held in May 2026.
