The Honourable Cassanni Laville, Dominica’s Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, is currently in Geneva, Switzerland representing the Government at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78), convened under the theme “One World for Health.” He is accompanied by Dr. Andy St Hilaire, Acting Director of Primary Health Care Services.
The Assembly, hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), brings together high-level representatives from member states and international partners to address urgent health challenges and shape the global health agenda. This year’s theme reflects WHO’s ongoing commitment to solidarity, equity, and cohesion—ensuring that every individual, regardless of geography or circumstance, has an equal opportunity to live a healthy life.
Hon. Laville emphasized the critical timing of this year’s gathering, stating:
“The next few days are pivotal for shaping the future of global health, and our presence here is essential. We look forward to participating in elections for key health committees that will guide our collective priorities moving forward.”
He noted that Dominica will engage in critical discussions on:
- Building a more effective and responsive WHO
- Protecting one billion more people from health emergencies
- Advancing the integration of health into the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
- Combatting antimicrobial resistance
- Empowering one billion more people to enjoy better health and well-being
A historic highlight of the Assembly so far has been the unanimous adoption of the first-ever global pandemic agreement, a landmark accord aimed at improving global equity and preparedness in response to future pandemics.
Adopted by consensus on Wednesday, May 21, following three years of negotiations spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, the agreement was lauded as a milestone for global public health.
“The world is safer today thanks to the leadership, collaboration, and commitment of our Member States,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This agreement is a victory for public health, science, and multilateral action.”
The agreement—approved on May 19 with 124 Member States in favour, no objections and 11 abstentions—ensures equitable access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics during future health crises, particularly for developing countries. It also affirms that WHO will not have authority to override national legislation, enforce lockdowns, or impose vaccine mandates.
A complementary resolution outlines the next steps, including the development of a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, to be negotiated by an Intergovernmental Working Group. The system will ensure timely sharing of pathogens and associated benefits.
To support implementation, mechanisms such as a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) have also been introduced, aimed at reducing barriers to accessing essential pandemic response tools.
Under the new PABS System, pharmaceutical companies will be required to provide WHO with up to 20% of their real-time production of pandemic-related vaccines and other critical supplies, based on assessed public health needs.
This is only the second international legal agreement enacted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, following the 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
As WHA78 continues, discussions will cover a range of pressing issues included in WHO’s Programme of Work, such as:
- Health workforce development
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Emergency preparedness and response
- Polio eradication
- Climate change and health
- Social connection as a determinant of health
“These are not just items on a meeting agenda; they are essential to reimagining the future of healthcare globally,” Hon. Laville stated. “I look forward to fruitful exchanges and building stronger partnerships to improve the health and well-being of the people of Dominica and our region.”
The Assembly will also feature the presentation of the WHO Public Health Prizes and Awards on Friday, May 23, recognizing outstanding contributions to public health by individuals and organizations worldwide.
The Assembly will conclude on May 27 and will be immediately followed by the 157th Executive Board (EB157) meeting on May 28 and 29. As WHO’s highest decision-making body, the World Health Assembly sets out the Organization’s policy and approves its budget.
