Pioneering Global Health Advocacy at the 77th World Health Assembly

Amref Health Africa’s participation in the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA77) marked a historic milestone in our commitment to advancing global health. The WHA, the World Health Organization’s annual gathering, brought together 194 member states under the theme “All for Health, Health for All.” This year’s session, described by the WHO Director-General as the most significant in the organisation’s 76-year history, made critical decisions on pandemic response, international health regulations, and climate and health resolutions.

A standout moment was the adoption of landmark resolutions, including the Climate Change and Health Resolution. Unanimously approved by all 194 member states, this resolution represents a pivotal step in protecting communities from the health impacts of climate change and calls for the health sector to decarbonise. Read Amref’s response to the approval. Another notable achievement was the approval of crucial amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) after two years of intense negotiations. This decision marks a major milestone in global health governance and security. Additionally, a timeline was set to finalise the Pandemic Agreement within a year, reflecting a global commitment to pandemic preparedness. To understand what this milestone means for Africa, read the expert commentary by Dr. Githinji Gitahi.

Amref’s presence at the WHA was both dynamic and influential. With a delegation of 35 staff from various countries, we actively participated in and hosted ten side events and one ministerial dinner. Our sessions addressed key health issues such as climate change, maternal and newborn health, antimicrobial resistance, health financing, global health security, and universal health coverage (UHC). We collaborated with esteemed partners like City Cancer Challenge, Novo Nordisk, WHO, The Global Fund, and more. Ministers of Health from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Ghana engaged with us, highlighting our role in shaping health policies and practices. Bilateral meetings with government and private sector partners, including the Government of Sweden and the new CEO of Gavi, underscored our strategic influence and collaboration.

Our media engagements were equally impactful. Prior to the WHA, Amref, in partnership with Africa CDC, WHO Regional Office for Africa, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Africa Office, hosted a press briefing to address key global health priorities for Africa. We called on the global health community to act on key commitments related to pandemic preparedness and response, addressing the increasing impact of climate change on health, universal health coverage, and innovation in health. The briefing attracted an impressive turnout of over 800 participants, including more than 100 journalists from various media outlets. A joint press release further amplified our message across multiple platforms.

Amref also hosted a timely discussion on X (formerly Twitter) about the intersection of climate change and malaria eradication. This session highlighted the need for innovative strategies and resource mobilisation to tackle malaria amid climate change. Notable speakers from WHO Afro, the Global Fund, and Malaria No More contributed to a dynamic dialogue. Our participation at WHA77 generated significant media coverage, with over 1,600 mentions reaching 16.9 million people. Our website saw a surge in traffic, with 26,358 users accessing WHA-related content.

Key takeaways from WHA77 sessions emphasised the critical role of digital transformation in healthcare, the deployment of new malaria vaccines by Gavi, and the urgent need for youth engagement in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Discussions also highlighted the potential of AI in accelerating access to medicines and the economic benefits of investing in women’s health.

Amref’s impactful presence at WHA77 underscores our leadership in global health. As we move forward, we remain committed to driving innovative solutions, fostering strategic partnerships, and advocating for policies that improve health outcomes across Africa and beyond.