Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
At the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, Member States adopted over 20 decisions and 13 resolutions on health issues including stroke, liver disease, tuberculosis, and antimicrobial resistance. The Assembly also addressed political and administrative matters, agreeing to reform the global health architecture through a Member State-led and WHO-hosted joint process.
In closing remarks, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the impact of the resolutions depends on their practical application. He highlighted the need for political commitment, sustained financing, and cooperation among Member States, partners, and communities for effective health outcomes.
Among the resolutions, Member States approved significant amendments to the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. These changes, following consultations led by Member States before the Assembly, aim to ensure accessible, competent, and motivated health and care workers worldwide, supporting universal health coverage and global health security.
Key revisions to the Code include new provisions for health personnel recruited internationally as care workers and clarifications on the Code’s application during emergencies. The Code now also encourages co-investment in health systems and the workforce so that international recruitment benefits both source and destination countries.
These amendments were recommended by an Expert Advisory Group appointed by the WHO Director-General. The Group's final report recognized better health workforce data, improvements in migrant health worker rights, and greater integration of ethical recruitment principles into national policies.