By John Mapepele
Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa, is leading the country’s delegation at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which officially opened on May 18, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The high-level global health gathering has brought together representatives from more than 180 countries to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide. The assembly was officially opened by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Speaking at the opening of the summit, Hon. Mchengerwa described WHA79 as a critical platform for shaping global health policy and strengthening international cooperation in healthcare delivery.
“The 79th World Health Assembly is taking place from May 18 to 23, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting brings together delegates from WHO member states to address major pressures facing health systems and to establish global health policies, with strong emphasis on universal health coverage, mental health, and the impact of climate change on health,” said Hon. Mchengerwa.
The minister noted that one of the key areas dominating discussions at this year’s assembly is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and sustainable healthcare financing. He said member states and civil society organizations are prioritizing efforts to accelerate country-led health financing systems, promote digital transformation in healthcare, and strengthen community participation in national health governance.
Mental health has also emerged as a major focus of the summit. Hon. Mchengerwa explained that following the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and mental health, WHA79 is hosting major advocacy campaigns and special events aimed at turning global commitments into concrete national mental health strategies.
Climate change and health are also receiving considerable attention during the assembly. Although not listed as a standalone agenda item, Hon. Mchengerwa said the ongoing effects of climate change and fossil fuel use are central to discussions surrounding reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, and disease management strategies.
He added that the WHO is preparing to launch a new global advocacy initiative designed to sustain momentum ahead of the upcoming COP31 climate conference.
Global health governance reforms are another major theme at the summit, with delegates discussing ways to align international health reforms to ensure more equitable, transparent, and accountable healthcare outcomes across countries.
The assembly is also laying the groundwork for the upcoming election of the next WHO Director-General, with candidate announcements expected and a new group of countries set to join the WHO Executive Board.
Hon. Mchengerwa further revealed that delegates are reviewing global disease control strategies, including ongoing efforts toward malaria elimination, implementation of the Immunization Agenda 2030, and strategies aimed at ending tuberculosis (TB).
The Tanzanian delegation attending WHA79 includes Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, Hon. Ambassador Abdala Possi; Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS, Hon. Dr. Johannes Lukumay; Permanent Secretary Dr. Seif Shekalaghe; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe; and several senior officials from the Ministry of Health.
Tanzania is expected to deliver several presentations during the summit and engage with international health stakeholders in a series of bilateral meetings and side events aimed at strengthening cooperation in the health sector.
