Dominican Republic will chair the WHO World Health Assembly in Geneva for the first time. This milestone takes place from May 18 to 23, with the Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, leading the sessions. The country will coordinate debates among 194 Member States on global health priorities.
Context of the World Health Assembly in Geneva
The World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of the WHO. It meets annually in Geneva to approve budgets, policies, and emergencies. In its 79th edition, it will address the post-pandemic era, vaccine access, and antimicrobial resistance. The Dominican Republic, elected by consensus, marks an advance in its diplomatic role in health.
Key role of Víctor Atallah in the World Health Assembly
Víctor Atallah, minister since 2020, will head the Dominican delegation. His leadership highlights local achievements such as mass vaccination against COVID-19, which exceeded 80% coverage. Official sources emphasize that this presidency strengthens Latin America’s voice in international forums.
Strategic importance for the Dominican Republic
This is the first time that the Dominican Republic has chaired the World Health Assembly. Previously, the country actively participated in WHO reforms, such as the 2024 pandemic treaty. Public health experts point out that this allows it to influence agendas such as medicine equity and climate change.
- Dates: May 18-23 in Geneva.
- Participants: 194 countries and organizations.
- Topics: Universal health, pandemic preparedness.
The World Health Assembly will approve the 2025-2028 Programme of Work, with an emphasis on resilient systems. Atallah emphasized the need for global collaboration in the face of emerging threats.
This event positions the Dominican Republic as a benchmark in health diplomacy. The World Health Assembly in Geneva concludes with binding resolutions that will impact national policies for years.
