The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) scheduled to hold in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19 to 27 May 2025.
The World Health Assembly, convened annually by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a premier global forum for setting international health policy and driving forward global health priorities.
A six-member delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will represent Nigeria at the Assembly, engaging with global stakeholders on pressing health concerns such as sustainable healthcare financing, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and the burden of non-communicable diseases.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, this year’s Assembly theme, “One World for Health”, underscores the need for international solidarity in tackling shared health challenges and strengthening resilient health systems.
In addition to the official delegation, representatives from Nigeria’s wider health sector including the private sector, donor agencies, and development partners will participate in technical sessions and side events.
Nigeria’s participation will include high-level discussions and contributions to agenda items that are strategically important to both the country and the African region. The Assembly will provide an opportunity to gain insights that support national policy review, planning, and implementation in line with global best practices.
Among the key topics Nigeria will actively engage with are:
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Commitment to sustainable healthcare financing
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Strengthening human resources for health
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Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes
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Nigeria’s position papers on poliomyelitis eradication, Universal Health Coverage, and mental health and social connection
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Nigeria’s input on the global strategy for cervical cancer elimination
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Advancement of oral health
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Enhancing local production of medicines and health technologies
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Addressing skin diseases and adverse cosmetic events
As the country advances implementation of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the outcomes of WHA78 are expected to reinforce evidence-based decision-making, bolster multilateral partnerships, and shape national health strategies aimed at improving health security, equity, and service delivery.
