World Health Assembly Opens Annual Session in Geneva
The Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from 18 to 23 May 2026. Delegates from all WHO Member States are scheduled to address health policy and budget matters during the six-day meeting.
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who.intThe Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly opened on 18 May 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The annual gathering brings together delegations from all WHO Member States to set organizational policies and review the proposed programme budget.
Committee B began its work under the chairmanship of Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health of Ghana. Proceedings are being conducted with simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The Health Assembly continues through 23 May 2026.
All sessions are webcast live, and recordings remain available on the WHO website after each meeting. Strategic Roundtables are scheduled during the assembly to allow delegates, partner agencies, civil society representatives and WHO experts to discuss global public health priorities.
The World Health Assembly serves as the decision-making body of WHO. Its functions include determining organizational policies, appointing the Director-General, supervising financial policies, and approving the programme budget. The current session follows the standard annual format held each year in Geneva.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- 18 May 2026
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly opened at Palais des Nations in Geneva.
1 source@WHO - 19 May 2026
Committee B began discussions under chair Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
1 source@WHO
Potential Impact
- 01
Member State delegations will review and potentially approve the WHO programme budget.
- 02
Strategic Roundtables may shape future global health priorities discussed at the meeting.
Transparency Panel
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