Women in Global Health’s report on the 75th World Health Assembly
13 July 2022
Every May, for about ten days, Geneva dresses up for its key role as a major global health hub. It is the time of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the largest, most important, and most unique annual gathering of the highest health policy decision-makers. Representatives of the 194 member states that constitute the World Health Organization (WHO) meet in Geneva to shape public health policies and strategies that impact the health of populations, worldwide.
Unlike in previous years, the 2022 WHA had particular meaning.
Firstly, it was the first in-person meeting of WHA after the devastating impact of COVID-19, which had presented a global crisis of unprecedented levels.
Secondly, Member States were meeting for the 75th time since the establishment of the WHO following World War II. Even today, WHO and its constituents are still grappling with health problems like those affecting the world about 25 years before it was established.
Thirdly, Europe was in the third month of a war in its own backyard, the outcomes of which are far from certain but whose consequences will undoubtfully have a negative impact for global health. The theme of the 75th WHA could not be more purposeful: “Health for Peace, Peace for Health”.
Fourthly, the first African elected as WHO Director General in 70 years of the organization, was standing for re-election for his second term in office.
It was amidst these important landmarks that Women in Global Health (WGH) led its inaugural and historic official delegation to the WHA, after gaining Non-State Actor status with WHO in January 2022, approved by the Executive Board.
WGH’s attendance of the WHA was impactful. Its four-pronged strategic positioning for the WHA was seasoned by the professionalism, excitement, passion, and dedication of its delegation, which comprised some of its core team members and representatives from its country Chapters.
The four pillars of our participation consisted of about more than fifty meetings with Member State delegations, and Heads, and representatives from health organizations; two well received virtual side-events; delivery of two statements on critical agenda items (health workforce and pandemic preparedness and response) and a strong presence and engagement on social media.
But not all achievements for Women in Global Health were positive. Principally was a backsliding on the proportion of women leading WHA delegations, the lowest in almost a decade.
Overall, it was a WHA with a mix of déjà vu and new events. A war and a pandemic for the former and the first African to lead a 75-year-old organization and a brand-new Non-State Actor (NSA) in official relations with the WHO entering the ecosystem, on the latter.
WGH went to Geneva with its determination to challenge power and privilege for gender equity in global health. WGH left the WHA with a boosted resolve to strengthen the battle, spurred by the enthusiasm and appreciation demonstrated by member states and partners for the work it is doing.
In the next pages of this report, we bring you the summary of our eventful, historic participation in the 75th WHA, our first official participation and one of many more to come.
Enjoy the reading.
Best wishes,
Dr. Magda Robalo
Global Managing Director Women in Global Health
