The World Health Assembly (WHA) has elected Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa as president of its 78th Session (WHA78), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.
The WHA, taking place from May 19 to 27 in Geneva, Switzerland, is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and convenes annually to address pressing global health issues.
During his address on May 19, Herbosa, who is currently presiding over plenary meetings of the Assembly, called for the rekindling of partnerships among nations that are beyond transactional but “transformational”, and noted that the world faces a looming shortfall of an estimated 10 million health workers by 2030, an issue that calls for collective actions among states.
“It strains health systems, overwhelms individuals, and frays the minds of those already stretched too thin. No single country can solve this alone,” he said.
“We look forward to revitalizing the central role of the WHO in strengthening capacities, providing technical support, and replicating innovative and positive practices towards ensuring equitable and sustainable development of the health and care workforce,” he added.
WHA78 deliberated on several key agenda items, including the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and a Philippine-led resolution on accelerating action for the global health and care workforce.
Other issues to be discussed include non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, universal health coverage, as well as institutional matters such as the WHO program budget and the ongoing reforms to enhance the organization’s operational effectiveness.
The DFA said Herbosa’s presidency of WHA78, a first for the Philippines, “reflects the country’s longstanding commitment to global health multilateralism, rooted in equity, compassion, and a dedication to underserved populations.”
The Philippines’ priorities at WHA78 aligns closely with the country’s Eight-Point Action Agenda for Health 2023-2028, which includes flagship initiatives on HIV, tuberculosis, mental health, universal health care, primary health care, and health workforce development.
The country currently holds seats on key multilateral bodies, including the Stop TB Partnership Board, the UN Health4Life Fund Steering Committee, the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, and the WHO Emergency Medical Teams Advisory Board; represents the Western Pacific region on the Pandemic Fund Governing Board; and hosts the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office. (PNA)
