DOH Sec. Herbosa elected president of World Health Assembly

Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has been elected President of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, marking the first time the Philippines will lead this assembly.

Herbosa, presiding over the WHA session in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 19 to 27, highlighted the need for transformational partnerships and addressed the projected global shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030.

During this session, the WHA adopted the first-ever Pandemic Agreement, which aims to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related products and establish mechanisms for global prevention, preparedness, and response.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Herbosa's election, viewing it as a recognition of the Philippines' commitment to global health and a tribute to Filipino health workers.

Herbosa also thanked the outgoing president, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti of Botswana, and acknowledged the trust placed in him by the Assembly.