Advancing Global Health: Science Agenda for the World Health Assembly (WHA)

Science and Research: Driving Progress Towards Global Health Goals

A side event for the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA)

Date              Wednesday, 21 May 2025

Time              11h30 – 15h30

Location      InterContinental Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland

1. Background and Rationale

The 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025 offers a crucial opportunity to highlight the contribution of science and research in advancing global health priorities. The WHA agenda emphasises the need to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage (UHC), address health inequities, tackle emerging communicable and non-communicable diseases, and strengthen health systems worldwide. Achieving these goals requires leveraging scientific advancements and fostering innovation across disciplines.

Over the past decade, science and research have driven significant improvements in health outcomes by enabling the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures. However, greater collaboration is needed to integrate scientific knowledge into policy and practice effectively to meet the ambitious global health targets in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 on good health and well-being. This side event will explore how inclusive science and research can better contribute to the WHA agenda, emphasising partnerships, investment, and capacity building.

2. Objectives

The session aims to:

– Highlight the role of science and research in shaping global health policies and advancing the WHA agenda, including UHC and health equity.

– Showcase successful examples where scientific innovations have significantly impacted health outcomes, including the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, breakthroughs in precision medicine, and progress in combating neglected tropical diseases.

– Discuss strategies to enhance investment in health research, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to build resilient health systems capable of addressing current and future challenges.

– Promote the integration of scientific evidence into decision-making processes at national, regional, and global levels, ensuring that the latest research findings inform health policies.

– Strengthen collaborations between stakeholders, including governments, academia, industry, and civil society, to accelerate the translation of research into practice.

3. Session Format and Structure

11h30 Opening Remarks (10 minutes):

The session will begin with an introduction highlighting the importance of science and research in achieving the WHA goals and setting the stage for the discussions.

12h00           Panel 1: How Science Matters for Global Health

The panel will include representatives from leading research institutions, government health departments, and the private sector. Each panellist will provide insights into different aspects of science and research in global health, focusing on:

• Innovations in health research: Showcasing examples where scientific advancements have transformed disease prevention, treatment, and healthcare delivery.
• Strong foundation of pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
• Translational research: Discuss how to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and their application in health policy and practice.
• Global partnerships: Examining the role of international collaborations, such as discussions among intergovernmental bodies during the COVID-19 pandemic, in driving scientific progress.
• Equity in research: Addressing disparities in scientific capacity and ensuring that research benefits are accessible to all communities, enabling knowledge transfer across researchers in various backgrounds.

13h00           Panel 2: Heath research and the UN Financing for Development Conference FfD4

The United Nations Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), scheduled for 2025, is highly relevant to global health and development efforts, including discussions at the World Health Assembly (WHA). The FfD4 conference focuses on mobilising resources and creating sustainable financing frameworks to support the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include targets related to health, poverty reduction, education, and economic development. The panel will note the importance of investment in research, including transparency in funding and the scalability of scientific innovation.

14h30           Interactive Q&A Session

Participants can engage with panellists through an interactive Q&A, allowing deeper discussion of the key themes.

• Securing Financing for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
• Strengthening Health Systems and Resilience
• Addressing Inequalities of Health Access and Financing for Equity
• Promoting Multi-sectoral Partnerships and Blended Financing
• Aligning Health Financing with Climate Action
• Supporting Research and Innovation Through Strategic Investments

4. Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of the critical role that science and research play in advancing the WHA agenda and global health priorities.
• Actionable recommendations for strengthening investments in health research and integrating scientific evidence into policymaking.
• Increased momentum for building research capacity in low- and middle-income countries, emphasising inclusive and sustainable approaches.
• Stronger partnerships across sectors to accelerate the translation of scientific advancements into health policies and practices.

5. Target Audience

The session is intended for WHA delegates, policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), industry leaders, and other stakeholders committed to advancing global health through science and innovation.

6. Key Messages

– Science and research are pivotal in achieving global health goals and driving progress in diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures.

– Investing in health research is crucial for building resilient healthcare systems that respond to existing and emerging health threats.

– Global collaboration and partnerships are essential for translating scientific discoveries into effective health interventions and policies.

– Equity in scientific advancement ensures that research benefits all populations, particularly those in underserved regions.

7. Partners and Collaborators

The session will be organised in collaboration with the WHO, leading academic and research institutions, international funding agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organisations.

8. Conclusion

Integrating science and research into the WHA agenda is vital for realising the vision of health for all. By showcasing the transformative impact of scientific innovation, this session aims to inspire action, foster collaboration, and promote evidence-based approaches to global health challenges. The 78th WHA presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the role of science and research in shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.