Mr. Pemba Wangchuk, Secretary, Ministry of Health is in Geneva, Switzerland, leading the Bhutanese delegation to the Seventy-Eighth World Health Assembly (WHA), which commenced on 19th May 2025. The delegation consists of representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the UN in Geneva.
The Health Secretary addressed the World Health Assembly today under the theme “One World for Health”. During his address, he shared about the progress made by Bhutan with regard to the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage in Bhutan as well as the emerging priorities of the Royal Government in the health sector. He also welcomed the historic adoption of the Pandemic Agreement which was unanimously adopted by the member states on 20th May 2025. The agreement aims to prevent and protect the world from future pandemics through fostering stronger collaboration and cooperation among countries, international organizations like WHO, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders.
Apart from attending the WHA, the Health Secretary held bilateral meetings with his counterparts to discuss partnership in the health sector. The Bhutanese delegation also shared its experiences and lessons on health at the various WHA related side events.
The WHA is the highest decision-making body of the WHO. The members as well as relevant stakeholders come together to discuss, amongst others, the policies of the organization, affecting the health sector globally. The WHO has been supporting Bhutan in developing and promoting a modern health care system since becoming a member in 1982.
The delegation will visit the WHO Academy based in Lyon, France to explore possible partnership in capacity building of Bhutanese healthcare professionals.
The WHA will conclude on 27th May 2025.