As the world emerges from the most severe pandemic in a century, the Seventy-seventh session of the World Health Assembly is set to convene under the theme "All for Health, Health for All." From May 27 to June 1, ministers of health and high-level country representatives will gather to tackle global health challenges including HIV, measles, and polio, in the context of the ongoing climate emergency and rising conditions like hypertension and obesity.

A highlight of this year’s assembly is the anticipated Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Accord, alongside amendments to the International Health Regulations. These measures signal a robust effort by Member States to enhance global health security.

Preceding the official opening, the WHO Investment Round will engage current and potential donors to ensure sustainable funding for the organization. On May 28, WHO’s third Investment Case will be launched, detailing the benefits of fully implementing the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14) for 2025–2028, including potential lives saved.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the cumulative challenges facing the organization: “The effects of climate change, disease outbreaks, and conflict are increasing pressure on WHO to respond to global health needs. This Health Assembly presents crucial opportunities to adopt the Fourteenth General Programme of Work, support WHO’s transformation through the Investment Round, and strengthen global health security through the Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations.”

The assembly is expected to approve WHO’s 2025–2028 strategy on May 28, addressing health implications of megatrends such as climate change, aging, migration, and scientific advances. This period is critical for realigning health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Crucial decisions will also be made on various health priorities, including climate and health, health emergencies, access to transformative tools, communicable and noncommunicable diseases, mental health, women's health, and WHO reform.

The event will feature high-level participation from political leaders, ambassadors, civil society, and non-state actors, reinforcing the global commitment to public health.

On May 31, the Health Assembly President will present six 2024 public health awards to eight laureates for outstanding contributions to public health.

On May 26, the fifth Walk the Talk: Health for All challenge will promote physical and mental health at Place des Nations. Notable participants include WHO Goodwill Ambassador Didier Drogba, basketball star Pau Gasol, Olympic champion David Rudisha, Paralympic champion Marcel Hug, and choreographer Sherrie Silver.

That evening, WHO headquarters will host the All for Health, Health for All event, launching the Investment Round and presenting the Grand Prix awards for the Health for All Film Festival, with a performance by mezzo-soprano Farrah El Dibany. The event will be live-streamed.

The Health Assembly officially opens on May 27 at 09:00 at the Palais des Nations, with the high-level segment starting at 09:30. The WHO Director-General will present the Global Health Leaders awards at 10:00, and deliver his main address at 14:30.

Strategic Roundtables will occur throughout the assembly, themed “Invest in global health – Invest in WHO.” These sessions will feature discussions among delegates, partner agencies, civil society representatives, and WHO experts on public health priorities. Sessions will run from May 28 to June 1 and will be available online.

As WHO’s highest decision-making body, the Health Assembly sets the organization’s policy and approves its budget, with attendance from delegations of all 194 WHO Member States. The assembly’s agenda follows the 40th meeting of the Programme, Budget, and Administration Committee of the Executive Board, held from May 22-24. The 155th Executive Board meeting will occur on June 3-4, post-assembly.