The Global Health Assembly: Shaping World Health Policy
An authoritative overview of the supreme decision-making body of the World Health Organization, detailing its structure, functions, and historical proceedings.
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What is the WHA?
Governing Body
The World Health Assembly (WHA) serves as the principal governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO). It is the forum through which the WHO's 194 member states establish global health policies and direct the organization's activities.
Annual Convening
Typically convened annually in May in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Palace of Nations, the WHA brings together health ministers and delegates from member states. This annual gathering is crucial for reviewing global health progress and setting future directions.
Key Functions
The Assembly's primary responsibilities include approving the WHO's work program and budget, electing the Director-General (a quinquennial event), and appointing members to the Executive Board. It critically evaluates and approves the organization's financial policies.
Membership and Observers
Member States
The WHA comprises 194 member states. This includes all United Nations member states, with the notable exception of Liechtenstein, along with the Cook Islands and Niue. This broad membership underscores the WHA's global reach.
Observer Status
In addition to member states, several non-state entities hold observer status at the WHA. These include the Holy See, the Palestinian Authority, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the South Centre organization, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Procedural Framework
The proceedings of the Assembly are guided by the established "Rules of Procedure of the World Health Assembly." The agenda is meticulously prepared by the General Committee, which comprises the President, subcommittee chairs, and delegates elected from the previous assembly.
The Taiwan Issue
Historical Participation
Taiwan participated as an observer in the WHA from 2008 to 2016, under the designation "Chinese Taipei." This participation was facilitated by WHO's policy allowing non-state entities observer status, as full membership requires statehood.
Exclusion and Advocacy
Since 2017, political pressure from the People's Republic of China has prevented Taiwan's participation. Several nations, including the United States, Australia, Germany, and Japan, have voiced support for Taiwan's re-inclusion, highlighting the diplomatic complexities surrounding global health forums.
Executive Board
Election and Renewal
The WHA annually elects members to its Executive Board (EB). This board, governed by Chapter VI of the WHO Constitution, ensures equitable geographic representation among its members, who serve three-year terms and are eligible for re-election.
Operational Hub
The Executive Board convenes at least twice a year, typically in Geneva. Its members are chosen from among the WHA delegates. Detailed information on current board members can be found in the summaries of the annual WHA assemblies.
Key Policy Frameworks
Landmark Resolutions
The WHA has adopted numerous resolutions that shape international health policy. Notable frameworks include the International Health Regulations (IHR), the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and the Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.
Action Plans and Endorsements
The Assembly has endorsed various WHO action plans, including those for the eradication of smallpox and polio, control of hookworm infection, promotion of workers' health, reduction of harmful alcohol use, and management of non-communicable diseases. These resolutions guide global health initiatives.
Classification Systems
The WHA is also responsible for endorsing the WHO Family of International Classifications, which includes vital tools like the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), standardizing health data globally.
Annual Assemblies Overview
Sixty-first WHA
Focused on public health, with 190 countries represented. Key discussions included intellectual property barriers, non-communicable diseases, female genital mutilation, breastfeeding, alcohol and tobacco control, immunization, and migrant health.
Sixty-second WHA
Highlighted maternal and child health, with keynote speeches addressing mortality rates. Discussions also covered global health challenges and the role of international organizations.
Sixty-fifth WHA
Endorsed the Rio Political Declaration on social determinants of health, promoting "Health For All" approaches. Marked the first World Immunization Week.
Sixty-sixth WHA
Addressed emerging infectious diseases like MERS and H7N9 avian influenza. Celebrated progress in global health driven by the Millennium Development Goals and outlined plans for noncommunicable diseases and mental health.
Sixty-seventh WHA
Adopted resolutions on antimicrobial resistance, the Minamata Convention on mercury, and access to essential medicines. Approved a global monitoring framework for maternal and child nutrition.
Sixty-eighth WHA
Agreed on the Global Malaria Strategy and Programme Budget. Addressed polio, International Health Regulations, surgical care, emergency response, antimicrobial resistance, malnutrition, and air pollution.
Sixty-ninth WHA
Prioritized the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, focusing on universal health coverage, addressing root causes of health issues, and improving maternal/child health and infectious disease control.
Seventieth WHA
Notable for the exclusion of Taiwan, following political pressure, marking a shift from previous years.
Seventy-first WHA
Elected members to the Executive Board, representing diverse global regions.
Seventy-second WHA
Continued Executive Board elections and leadership appointments, reflecting ongoing governance processes.
Seventy-third WHA
Held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Focused on pandemic response and planning for future global health security measures, including a special session on a pandemic treaty.
Seventy-fourth WHA
Theme: "Ending this pandemic, preventing the next: building together a healthier, safer and fairer world." A special session was held to negotiate an International Treaty on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.
Seventy-fifth WHA
Theme: "Health for peace, peace for health." Addressed ongoing global health challenges and the interconnectedness of health and global stability.
Seventy-sixth WHA
Theme: "WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all." Celebrated the WHO's 75th anniversary, reflecting on achievements and future aspirations.
Seventy-seventh WHA
Theme: "All for Health, Health for All." Emphasized collective action and equitable access to health services worldwide.
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References
References
- WHO. Working for health: an introduction to the World Health Organization. Geneva.
- WHO. Poliomyelitis. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not represent the most current or official positions of the World Health Organization or the World Health Assembly.
This is not official policy or legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official WHO documentation or seeking expert advice on international health policy or governance. Always refer to official sources for authoritative information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.