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Key Points

India has sent a delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, reinforcing its commitment to global health collaboration. Led by Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, the team will discuss key issues like the Pandemic Agreement and WHO budget reforms. The assembly’s theme, "One World for Health," highlights the need for unified global efforts. Dr. Teodoro Herbosa from the Philippines has been elected as the WHA President for this session.

Key Points: India Joins 78th World Health Assembly to Boost Global Health Cooperation

  • India’s delegation led by Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava
  • Focus on Pandemic Agreement and WHO budget reforms
  • Theme "One World for Health" emphasized
  • Dr. Teodoro Herbosa elected as WHA President
2 min read

India sends delegation to 78th World Health Assembly, reaffirms commitment to global health cooperation

India's delegation, led by Punya Salila Srivastava, participates in the 78th WHA in Geneva, reinforcing commitment to global health collaboration.

"India’s participation reflects our continued commitment to strengthening global health systems and advancing international collaboration. – MoHFW"

Geneva, May 19

Reaffirming its commitment towards global health cooperation, India has sent a delegation to participate in the 78th World Health Assembly commencing in Geneva, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), shared on Monday.

Providing the details in a post on X, the MoHFW said that the Indian delegation is being led by Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

It further noted that India's participation reflects the continued commitment towards strengthening global health systems and advancing international collaboration.

"Today marks the commencement of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The Indian delegation, led by Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, is actively participating in the Assembly, reflecting India's continued commitment to strengthening global health systems and advancing international collaboration."

https://x.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1924360194412490844

As per the World Health Organisation, the 78th World Health Assembly is being held in Geneva from May 19-27. The theme of this year's Health Assembly is, "One World for Health."

Notable highlights from the 78th Session would include, May 19 that marks the opening og the Assembly, with deliberations on the Pandemic Agreement in the afternoon.

On May 20, it is expected that the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement would take place along with a discussion on the Proposed Programme Budget 2026-2027.

May 21 would see a Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing and May 23 would see the presentation of the public health prizes and awards, the details were shared by WHO in an earlier post on X.

The most recent update has been the election of Dr Teodoro Javier Herbosa from the Philippines as President of the 78th World Health Assembly.

https://x.com/WHO/status/1924369347562127380

At the World health assemsbly, member States and the WHO Secretariat will have to reconcile a significant funding shortfall ahead of the next two-year programme budget. While fully funding WHO's growing mandate of work has long faced challenges, the United States' intended withdrawal from the Organization has further strained the budget. A planned 20% increase in mandatory member contributions that was years in the making will be up for adoption at WHA78, offering a potential boost--but in a constrained fiscal climate, its approval is uncertain. Broader governance and staffing reforms will also be on the agenda.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Proud to see India taking active part in global health discussions! 🇮🇳 Our experience with COVID-19 vaccination drives and Ayushman Bharat can contribute valuable insights to the world. Hope our delegation pushes for more affordable medicine access globally.
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Priya M.
While I appreciate India's global health efforts, I hope our delegation also focuses on improving our own rural healthcare infrastructure. We can't just talk about global health when many villages still lack basic facilities. Balance is needed!
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Arjun S.
India's pharmaceutical industry is world-class - we should leverage this strength in global health discussions. The 'One World for Health' theme aligns perfectly with our traditional Ayurvedic principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (world is one family). 🌍
S
Sneha R.
The Pandemic Agreement discussion is crucial! After COVID, we need stronger global cooperation. India should push for fair vaccine distribution mechanisms and technology transfer to developing nations. Our Vaccine Maitri initiative showed the way!
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Vikram J.
Good to see Ms. Srivastava leading the delegation. Hope they address the funding crisis at WHO - with US withdrawing, countries like India need to step up but also ensure our contributions are used effectively. No wastage please!
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Neha P.
India should use this platform to showcase our digital health innovations like CoWIN and e-Sanjeevani. We've made great strides in health tech that could benefit other developing countries. #DigitalIndia 💻

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