Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
At the 79th World Health Assembly, six laureates from various countries were honored for their outstanding contributions to advancing primary health care and reducing health inequalities, supporting the goal of health for all. Awards were presented by Assembly President Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam, representatives from awarding foundations, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The Assembly also reviewed a report on the ongoing humanitarian and emergency health response in Ukraine. Delegates approved a decision to continue implementing resolution WHA75.11 on the Ukraine health emergency, and requested a progress report by 2027.
Additionally, the Assembly addressed the persistent global challenges of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions, which remain major causes of illness and premature death. A WHO Strategic Roundtable brought together ministers, policy-makers, partners, and people with lived experience to discuss strengthening health systems to address multimorbidity, ageing populations, and inequities. Emphasis was placed on shifting toward integrated, people-centred systems that address risk factors and involve communities.
Participants also identified financing mechanisms and fiscal policies—including taxation and incentives—as vital tools in managing risk factors and broader health determinants. These discussions were aligned with the 2025 Political Declarations on NCDs and mental health, reaffirming commitments to coordinated, multisectoral action across prevention, treatment, and care.