AMWA leaders—Dr. Padmini Murthy, Dr. Eliza Chin, Dr. Douglas Chin, and Emily Khossravi—attended events surrounding the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva, Switzerland, held under the theme “One World for Health.” Dr. Eliza Chin served as an NGO participant, representing the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA).
L-R , Dr. Chin, Dr. Murthy
L-R: Dr. Baltag, Dr. Chin
L-R: Dr. Chi, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Dr.Murthy
A landmark achievement of this year’s Assembly was the adoption of the first-ever international pandemic agreement on May 20. This legally binding treaty aims to strengthen global preparedness and response for future pandemics, emphasizing international cooperation and introducing a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing System (PABS) to facilitate the sharing of genetic data on potential pandemic pathogens. Notably, the United States did not participate in the agreement following its earlier withdrawal from the WHO. This absence has contributed to financial strains on the organization, underscoring a recurring theme throughout the Assembly on the need for impact-driven accountability and sustainable funding. A New Zealand delegate aptly quoted Sir Winston Churchill, “never let a good crisis go to waste,” highlighting the urgency of collective global health action.
Numerous side events addressed clinical and policy topics relevant to AMWA, including Alzheimer’s disease, rare diseases, gender equity, reproductive health, falsified medicines, and maternal health.
As part of their delegate responsibilities, Dr. Chin and MWIA Secretary General Dr. Mariam Jashi met with Dr. Valentina Baltag, Unit Head for Adolescent and Young Adult Health at WHO, to share information about the MWIA workplan. Dr. Chin also shared information about AMWA’s initiatives in HPV prevention. At a patient safety exhibit, AMWA leaders connected with WHO leaders collaborating across agencies to implement health safety measures that reduce avoidable harm.
L-R: Dr. Jashi, Dr. Baltag, Dr. Chin
L-R: Dr. Chin, Dr. Scharp
L-R: Dr. Chin, Dr. Pascale Allotey
Drs. Douglas and Eliza Chin, along with Emily Khossravi, also met with Dr. Suraya Dalil, Director of the Special Programme on Primary Health Care. They learned about WHO’s strategy to integrate primary healthcare rooted in equity, solidarity, self-reliance, and community-centered approaches—highlighting the need to shift from systems designed around diseases and institutions to systems designed for and with people.
A session on maternal health spotlighted research gaps due to the historic exclusion of pregnant and lactating women. Advocates called for the adoption of a Maternity Investigation Plan—similar to the Pediatric Investigation Plan—to ensure drug safety during pregnancy. Lessons from COVID-19, malaria, and HIV are helping to break down longstanding barriers.
Another important session, “Addressing the Global Crisis of Substandard and Falsified Medicines,” shed light on the widespread challenge of fraudulent drugs. It called for greater awareness, stakeholder collaboration, education, and regional engagement.
L-R: Dr. Chin, Dr. Doug Chin, Dr. Suraya Dalil, Emily Khossrav
L-R: Dr.Jashi, Dr. Chin, Dr. Farrar, Prof-Reinhart
L-R: Dr. Chin, Dr. Khan
UNICEF’s session, “Innovate to Scale,” explored transformative innovations in community health systems focused on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), urging investment in scalable, sustainable solutions and emphasizing the central role of women and children.
A panel hosted by the Gates Foundation, the Norway Wellcome Trust and others focused on building national capacities in science and evidence-based policymaking. Speakers emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Finally, the Philippine delegation hosted a special reception to honor the leadership of WHA78 President Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, celebrating their contributions and the future direction of the WHO.
L-R: Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Dr. Tedros, Dr. Adhanom Ghebreyesus
R-L: Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Dr. Chin
L-R: Dr.Teodoro Herbosa, Dr. Chin
L-R: Dr. Chin, Dr. Chris Colwell
L-R: Dr. Chin, Alexandra Shaw
L;R: Claire Townsend, Dr. Chin
Playing Mancala
Gates Foundation Panel