By John Mapepele
Geneva, Switzerland
The Minister of Health of Tanzania, Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa, has led the Government of Tanzania delegation at the official opening of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), which began today, May 18, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland.
This major global health conference, bringing together more than 180 countries from different parts of the world, was officially opened by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
“The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) is being held 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,” explained Hon. Mchengerwa.
According to Hon. Mchengerwa, the main discussion areas during the 2026 meeting include:
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Financing,
He stated that member states and civil society organizations are prioritizing the acceleration of country-led health financing systems, digital transformation in health systems, and ensuring community participation to strengthen national health governance.
He also emphasized that another key area receiving attention is Mental Health, noting that following the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health, WHA79 features major advocacy campaigns and special events aimed at translating global commitments into concrete national mental health strategies.
Another topic to be discussed is Climate Change and Health, where he explained that although it is not a standalone agenda item, the continuing effects of the climate crisis and fossil fuel use are important aspects of discussions related to reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, and disease management.
He added that WHO is also launching a global advocacy initiative aimed at maintaining momentum toward the upcoming COP31 climate conference.
Global Strategy and Leadership
Delegates are discussing how to align various global health reforms to ensure equitable and accountable outcomes.
In addition, the meeting lays the groundwork for the upcoming election of the WHO Director-General, with candidates beginning to be officially announced and a new group of countries being elected to join the Executive Board.
He further noted that the meeting will also discuss Disease Reports and Strategies, with the provisional agenda including ongoing efforts toward malaria elimination, the Immunization Agenda 2030, and the strategy to end tuberculosis (TB).
The Tanzanian delegation to the meeting, led by Hon. Mchengerwa, includes Hon. Ambassador Abdala Possi, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva; the 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 officials from the Ministry of Health.
Tanzania is expected to deliver several presentations during the meeting and hold discussions with various health stakeholders on the sidelines of the conference.
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