WHA78: Shaping the future of global health at the 78th World Health Assembly

The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19–27 May 2025, bringing together delegations from all 194 WHO member states to discuss the most pressing health issues affecting populations globally. The WHA is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), responsible for shaping global health policies, overseeing financial policies, and approving the WHO’s programme budget.

WHA78 promises to be a landmark event with key discussions on oral health, which will be addressed under agenda item 13.1 on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). During these discussions, the FDI World Dental Federation will highlight the importance of integrating oral health into broader health strategies, especially in areas such as NCDs, universal health coverage (UHC), nutrition, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Oral health and NCDs

One of the pivotal moments at WHA78 will be the discussions surrounding oral health, especially its relationship with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Oral diseases are often neglected in health policies, despite their significant impact on overall health and quality of life. The FDI will advocate for greater recognition of oral health during the High-Level Meeting on NCDs (HLM4), stressing the need for a more integrated approach to health that includes oral care as a vital component of general health strategies.

Collaborative efforts with the global health workforce

In addition to discussions on oral health, WHA78 will also address critical issues concerning the global health workforce. The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA), alongside FDI and other member organizations, will host a side event to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare workers worldwide. With an increasing burden of health challenges and a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring a well-supported and adequately trained health workforce is more important than ever.

WHA78 highlights and key events

• Date: 19–27 May 2025
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Key issues: Oral Health, NCDs, UHC, AMR, Global Health Workforce
• Side events: FDI's side event on oral health, WHPA collaboration on health workforce challenges
• Webcast: Proceedings will be available live via webcast with simultaneous interpretation in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.

The World Health Assembly remains a pivotal event in global health policymaking. By bringing together member states, international organizations, and thought leaders, the WHA serves as a platform for shaping health priorities and setting the global agenda for the year ahead. As WHA78 approaches, the global health community eagerly anticipates meaningful discussions that will shape policies and health outcomes for years to come.