The Seventy-eight World Health Assembly (WHA78) will take place on 19−27 May 2025 in Geneva.
Resolutions
This year the Assembly will discuss two resolutions related to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): "Accelerating the eradication of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease)" and "Skin diseases as a global public health priority". Both resolutions were considered by the Executive Board during its 156th session in January 2025 through decisions EB156(23) and EB156(24) .
Progress report on eradication of dracunculiasis
Pursuant to resolution WHA64.16 (2011), WHO submits annual progress reports to the Assembly on global efforts to interrupt transmission of Dracunculus medinensis. In 2024, only 15 cases of dracunculiasis were reported to WHO. To date, a total of 200 countries, areas and territories, representing 188 WHO Member States, have been certified by WHO as free of transmission. Six Member States remain uncertified: Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali and South Sudan, where the disease is still endemic; and Sudan, which is at the precertification stage.
Presentation of certificates
During the plenary session on Monday 19 May, the Director-General will award certificates of appreciation to Member States that during 2024 and the first months of 2025 have met the elimination targets for NTDs. Eleven countries are expected to be honoured.
Official side events
Three official side events related to NTDs will take place. These events require access to the Palais de Nations. You can find more details in WHO's page dedicated to WHA78 official side events .
| Date, time and venue | Event title and hosts | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 22 May 2025 12:30−13:50 Room VII, Palais des Nations |
29. Snakebite Envenoming: Reaching our 2030 target Hosts: Kenya, Costa Rica, Ghana, Egypt, Wellcome Trust |
The WHA is an ideal platform for member states, agencies and key stakeholders to review the significant progress made so far with regards to Snakebite R&D, public health, regulatory frameworks, and provides a chance to showcase successful advocacy approaches. This side event also provides an opportunity to formally present the mission of the Global Snakebite Taskforce (GST) and to catalyse action amongst WHO member States towards sustainable action based on success and lessons learnt so far. |
| Thursday 22 May 2025 19:30−20:50 Room VII, Palais des Nations |
37. Adapting to climate change to end infectious diseases: needs, best practices, innovations and resources Hosts: Medicines for Malaria Venture (MVV), France, Rwanda, AMREF Health Africa, UNITAID |
Climate change is a major threat to eliminating climate-sensitive infectious diseases which are part of the SDG3 targets. The epidemiology of these diseases is changing due to climate change, and the occurrence of deadly outbreaks has intensified. Political attention, financing, strategies and tools in climate change adaptation are needed to go back on track on the disease elimination path. With COP30 coming up and the expected increased attention on adaptation and health, this event will contribute to fill awareness gaps, highlight good practices and innovation opportunities, and promote the mobilization of a community of interest and commitment in programmatic development, funding and advocacy. |
| Saturday 24 May 12:30−13:50 Room VII, Palais des Nations |
46. Neglected Tropical Diseases: Success Under Threat Hosts: Helen Keller Int., Task Force for Global Health, Tanzania |
By the end of 2024, 54 countries had eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD). In just the last 15 years, the number of people requiring treatment for NTDs has decreased by 25%. But these strides are now under threat with the largest donor to NTDs worldwide cutting global health programmes. In the face of these new challenges, this event aims to bring together a diverse panel of experts from across the global NTD community to celebrate and learn from successes and discuss new approaches and partnerships that could help continue our progress to achieve control and elimination of NTDs. |
