A new overview of discussions at the World Health Assembly 79 highlights growing global concern that reforms to the international health system must not weaken services for women, children, and adolescents, especially as countries face rising financial pressure and humanitarian crises.
The report notes that the meeting in Geneva took place during a period of significant global strain, including sharp reductions in official development assistance, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and increasing climate and conflict-related health emergencies. These overlapping challenges have placed essential health services for vulnerable populations under additional risk.
A central theme across Member State interventions was the need to ensure that global health architecture reforms explicitly prioritize women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health. Several countries stressed that any system that cannot guarantee safe childbirth, newborn care, and adolescent health services cannot be considered effective or fit for purpose.
Delegations also warned that declining international funding could deepen inequalities and disrupt essential services in fragile and low-income settings. Many called for stronger safeguards to ensure that financing cuts do not reverse progress made in maternal and child health over past decades.
At the same time, Member States broadly supported efforts to improve coordination within the global health system, reduce fragmentation, and strengthen the role of the World Health Organization. However, they emphasized that reforms must remain member-state led and ensure equitable representation of low- and middle-income countries in decision-making structures.
The discussions also highlighted the disproportionate impact of health emergencies on women and children, particularly in conflict-affected regions. Countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East pointed to disruptions in maternal care, immunization, and nutrition services during crises, underscoring the need for stronger emergency preparedness and financing mechanisms.
Experts and delegations further called for increased investment in domestic health systems, innovative financing tools, and stronger international cooperation to ensure long-term sustainability. Blended finance, debt relief mechanisms, and pooled procurement were identified as potential solutions to reduce dependency on traditional aid.
The overview concludes that the ongoing reform process represents a critical opportunity to reshape global health governance. However, its success will depend on whether it can protect essential services for the most vulnerable populations while building a more resilient and equitable system for the future.
