Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
At the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly, Member States agreed to establish a joint process, led by them and hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) with global health partners. This initiative aims to reform the global health architecture to better meet the needs of countries and communities, while maximizing access, impact, and equity.
The process will build on existing reform initiatives and the UN80 Initiative. Member States expressed strong support for WHO’s central convening and normative roles, emphasizing that while the process is Member State–led, it should involve collaboration with global health initiatives, United Nations partners, and meaningful engagement of civil society and youth.
The Assembly recognized improvements achieved by the current global health architecture in areas like disease control, global norms and standards, and action against cross-border health threats. However, it was noted that the architecture has not kept pace with changes such as expanded national health sovereignty, regional capacities, shifting disease burdens, advancements in science, AI, digital technologies, and reductions in health financing.
Member States also acknowledged that the growing number of health actors has increased complexity, leading to power imbalances, fragmentation, and duplication that affect country ownership and leadership.
The Health Assembly requested the WHO Director-General to submit a final report with recommendations for transforming the global health architecture to the next World Health Assembly.
Separately, the Assembly considered proposals on Argentina’s notification of withdrawal from WHO. After deliberation, a compromise text was agreed by consensus, noting Argentina’s communication and stating WHO’s openness to Argentina’s future cooperation.