Story by Patience Nyagato
GLOBAL health leaders have converged in Geneva for the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), with a united front in tackling global health challenges taking centre stage.
The annual Assembly, which brings together delegates from 194 WHO member states, provides a platform for nations to review global health priorities and forge multilateral agreements that shape the future of healthcare worldwide.
Zimbabwe’s delegation, led by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, is actively participating in discussions centred on pandemic preparedness, health financing, and global equity.
“Dr Tedros, the WHO Director-General, spoke on a wide range of issues, from maternal and child health to mental health and health financing. A key focus has been the finalisation of the pandemic agreement, which has been under negotiation for over three years. This is a critical step in ensuring equitable access to resources and coordinated global action in the event of future pandemics,” said Dr Mombeshora.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of health partnerships, revealing that Zimbabwe will engage with international partners such as The Global Fund and GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance) to explore avenues for financing and technical assistance.
“We are planning strategic meetings with organisations such as the Global Fund to assess progress and determine the way forward. Vaccine access and affordability are high on our agenda. While some major donors are pulling out of global health funding, we urge the global community to remember that the greatest threats are not always visible viruses have claimed more lives than any recent war,” Dr Mombeshora said.
Dr Agnes Mahomva, the Public Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet, noted that the WHA78 theme aligns with Zimbabwe’s ongoing health sector reforms, particularly the One Health Strategy, which promotes a multi-sectoral approach to public health.
“We’re finalising our One Health Strategy and have made significant progress in institutionalising lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. This new pandemic agreement is timely and will help us align our reforms with global best practices,” she said.
The Assembly, which opened on Monday, was inaugurated by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who applauded the progress made globally over the past year but warned of persistent inequalities that continue to weaken health systems, particularly in the Global South.
“We must act boldly to reduce disparities and invest in stronger, more inclusive systems,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s participation at the 78th World Health Assembly comes as the country intensifies efforts to build a resilient, inclusive health system that is better prepared for future shocks, while reinforcing its place within the global health architecture.
