Officials strategise ahead of 79th World Health Assembly.

The Assembly is scheduled for May 18 to 24. The meeting was chaired by the Inspector General of Administrative Services at the Ministry of Public Health, Boukar Oumate. This was on behalf of Minister Dr Manaouda Malachie. 

The session brought together the World Health Organisation, WHO, Resident Representative alongside senior ministry officials. According to officials, the goal is to ensure a coordinated, visible and impactful participation at the global forum.

The assembly this year is expected to hold under the theme: “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility”. 

According to officials, the theme reflects the challenging international context. They mentioned declining health funding in some regions, persistent geopolitical tensions, and concerns over sustainable health system financing.

During the meeting, the Head of the Cooperation Division reviewed key recommendations from previous assemblies, while outlining the country’s progress in critical sectors. 

Notable gains were highlighted in the development of human resources for health, expanded vaccination coverage and ongoing structural reforms within the health system.

During the session, concrete guidelines were adopted to streamline the country’s engagement. Participants are said to have set a May 8 deadline for drafting the Minister’s talking points for various interventions. 

Similarly, it was announced that the Ministry of Finance will be consulted regarding the country’s statutory contributions to the WHO. 

Officials also committed to finalising a schedule of bilateral meetings and audiences planned on the side lines of the Assembly.

Participants equally stressed the importance of strong national coordination to ensure coherence in messaging and maximize diplomatic opportunities during the event.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3787 of Tuesday May 12, 2026