Global health’s defining test

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Dr Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusJanuary 9, 2026 at 01:18 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In a retrospective on 2025, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the year's global health achievements and challenges, emphasizing the critical role of international cooperation. A key milestone was the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement by WHO Member States, along with amendments to the International Health Regulations, designed to improve global pandemic preparedness and response. Member states also increased contributions to the WHO's core budget. Negotiations continue on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Beyond pandemic efforts, the WHO advanced public health in areas such as vaccine validation, HIV prevention, obesity treatment, humanitarian crisis response, universal health coverage, and addressing noncommunicable diseases and mental health. The WHO emphasizes the importance of science, evidence, and trust in global health initiatives.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Geneva 40% Switzerland 40% International Health Regulations 50% UN General Assembly 50% Sudan 60% Gaza 60% Ukraine 60% Pandemic Agreement ×370% Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus 80% World Health Organization ×690%

Keywords

global health 100% international cooperation 90% pandemic agreement 80% world health organization 70% pandemic preparedness 60% multilateralism 60% universal health coverage 50% noncommunicable diseases 40% mental health 40%