Story perspectives

79th WHO Assembly Opens, Emphasizes Cooperation, Honors Bahamian Leader

5/19/2026

Summary

Atallah Opens Assembly

The 79th World Health Assembly opened in Geneva on 18 May 2026, will close on 23 May 2026, with Dr. Víctor Atallah of the Dominican Republic as president.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus urged stronger global cooperation while the agenda covered universal health coverage, mental-health integration, climate impacts, the Pandemic Agreement, antimicrobial resistance and financing.
Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis of The Bahamas received the WHO Global Health Leaders Award for disease elimination and equitable health access.

Summary

Ibrahim Demands Aid

Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim arrived in Geneva on 16 May 2026 to lead Sudan’s delegation at the 79th World Health Assembly.
He will deliver Sudan’s statement accusing the Rapid Support Forces militia of targeting health facilities and will meet WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus to seek humanitarian aid.
He will hold bilateral talks with other health ministers and attend side-events aimed at mobilising resources to rebuild clinics and hospitals.

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Atallah Opens Assembly

The 79th World Health Assembly opened in Geneva on 18 May 2026, will close on 23 May 2026, with Dr. Víctor Atallah of the Dominican Republic as president.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus urged stronger global cooperation while the agenda covered universal health coverage, mental-health integration, climate impacts, the Pandemic Agreement, antimicrobial resistance and financing.
Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis of The Bahamas received the WHO Global Health Leaders Award for disease elimination and equitable health access.

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