78th World Health Assembly (WHA 2025) — Geneva: Key Decisions and India's Role

Detailed Summary

The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) was held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19 to 27, 2025. It is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Assembly brings together health ministers and delegations from all 194 WHO member states. The Indian delegation was led by Punya Salila Srivastava.

Key highlights for India at the 78th WHA included:

• India received the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem from WHO DG Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
• India participated in discussions on the Pandemic Treaty / International Instrument on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR) — a critical negotiation outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Discussions on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) — a major global public health concern where India has committed to action plans.
• Discussions on Digital Health initiatives — India's Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) was highlighted as a model.
• WHO's 2025–2028 General Programme of Work was adopted at the assembly.

What is the World Health Assembly?

The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the supreme decision-making body of WHO. It meets annually in Geneva. Key functions:

• Determines policies of WHO.
• Appoints the Director-General.
• Reviews and approves WHO's budget and programme of work.
• Considers reports of the Executive Board.

About WHO

Tamil Nadu Relevance

Tamil Nadu's public health infrastructure is among India's best. The state has made significant progress in maternal mortality reduction, child immunisation, and TB control. Tamil Nadu's participation in WHO-driven programmes like the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), DOTS for TB, and Universal Health Coverage initiatives has been notable. The Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (Kalaignar Health Insurance Scheme / Uzhavar Thittam) in Tamil Nadu aligns with WHO's Universal Health Coverage goals.

Key Highlights

• 78th WHA: Geneva, May 19–27, 2025.
• India received Trachoma Elimination Certificate at WHA.
• Discussions on Pandemic Treaty, AMR, Digital Health.
• WHO DG: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
• WHO founded: April 7, 1948 — HQ: Geneva.
• WHO has 194 member states.
• World Health Day: April 7.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• 78th WHA — Geneva — May 19–27, 2025.
• WHO founded — April 7, 1948 — HQ Geneva, Switzerland.
• WHO DG — Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Ethiopia).
• WHO member states — 194.
• World Health Day — April 7.
• WHA = World Health Assembly = highest decision-making body of WHO.

MCQs

MCQ 1

Q: Where is the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO)?

• A) New York, USA
• B) Paris, France
• C) Geneva, Switzerland
• D) Vienna, Austria

Answer: C) Geneva, Switzerland

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded on April 7, 1948, and is a Specialised Agency of the United Nations. The 78th World Health Assembly was held in Geneva from May 19–27, 2025.

MCQ 2

Q: Who is the Director-General of the WHO in 2025?

• A) Margaret Chan
• B) Gro Harlem Brundtland
• C) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
• D) Dr. Soumya Swaminathan

Answer: C) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Explanation: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia has been serving as the WHO Director-General since 2017. He is the first African to hold this position. At the 78th WHA in May 2025, he presented India with the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma.

MCQ 3

Q: When is World Health Day observed annually?

• A) January 1
• B) March 21
• C) April 7
• D) June 5

Answer: C) April 7

Explanation: World Health Day is observed on April 7 every year — the founding date of the WHO (April 7, 1948). It is used to draw attention to important public health issues globally and has a specific theme each year.