Philippine Health Secretary Assumes Presidency of 78th World Health Assembly
DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa presides over the WHA78 (Photo credits: WHO)
GENEVA 20 May 2025 — The World Health Assembly (WHA) has elected Philippine Department of Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa as President of its 78th Session (WHA78). The WHA, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), convenes annually to address pressing global health issues. This year’s session is taking place from 19 to 27 May 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
As President, Secretary Herbosa will preside over plenary meetings of the Assembly, fostering dialogue and cooperation toward consensus on critical health priorities and global strategies. WHA78 will deliberate on several key agenda items, including the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and a Philippine-led resolution on accelerating action for the global health and care workforce.
Other pertinent issues to be discussed include noncommunicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, universal health coverage, as well as institutional matters such as the WHO programme budget and ongoing reforms to enhance the organization’s operational effectiveness.
Secretary Herbosa’s presidency of WHA78, a first for the Philippines, reflects the country’s longstanding commitment to global health multilateralism, rooted in equity, compassion, and a dedication to underserved populations. In his Presidential address, Secretary Herbosa emphasized, “Let us not lose sight of our purpose. We, the WHO, were founded to guarantee health as a fundamental human right for all. Multilateralism is not just a means to an end; it is the soul of this endeavor, the vessel through which peace, dignity, and health reach every doorstep. The road ahead demands a whole-of-society commitment, for health is not merely a goal, but the very foundation of lasting global peace.”
The Philippines’ priorities at WHA78 aligns closely with the country’s Eight-Point Action Agenda for Health 2023-2028, which includes flagship initiatives on HIV, tuberculosis, mental health, universal health care, primary health care, and health workforce development – a particularly significant issue, as the Philippines remains one of the leading global sources of health and care workers.
This Presidency builds on the Philippines’ broader leadership in global health diplomacy. The country currently holds seats on key multilateral bodies, including the Stop TB Partnership Board, the UN Health4Life Fund Steering Committee, the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, and the WHO Emergency Medical Teams Advisory Board. The Philippines also represents the Western Pacific region on the Pandemic Fund Governing Board and hosts the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office.
Read the Presidential Address of Secretary Herbosa here: https://tinyurl.com/WHA78SOHPresidentialAddress.
For more information on the Philippines’ global health leadership, please visit https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/dfa-releasesupdate/36399-world-health-day-2025-a-spotlight-on-the-philippines-role-in-global-health-diplomacy. END