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More than 1000 film makers from over 110 countries have submitted short films for the 3rd edition of the WHO Health for All Film Festival (HAFF), on themes ranging from the trauma of war to living with COVID-19, through women's health and so much more. Seventy short films have been chosen for the shortlist reviewed by a jury of international actors, development leaders and senior WHO experts. WHO's Director-General approved the advice from this jury and announced the winners today.

"These compelling short films, combining powerful storytelling with important public health information, portray the huge range of health challenges that people face around the world every day," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "With 3500 submissions received over three years so far, the WHO Health for All Film Festival has demonstrated that short films can make a big difference to raising awareness on these important health issues, and stimulate action to promote and protect health."

The 70 shortlisted films are available to view online in six playlists. From this official selection one "GRAND PRIX" is attributed for each of the three main competition categories: Universal Health Coverage, Health emergencies, and Better health and well-being.

Sharon Stone, Golden Globe and EMMY Award-winning Actress from the United States of America, juror of the 3rd HAFF, Producer, and Activist for Health and Humanitarian Causes, said: "I am so delighted to be part of the Health for All Film Festival. This is about creating better awareness on crucial actions needed for reaching healthier living conditions around the world.  These documentaries that we viewed were all just wonderful. The stories selected talk to us about the intrinsic value of good health and its access, and they advocate for universal health coverage. Universal health coverage is a very important right, it's a human right for everyone around the world."

Four special prizes are also attributed for a Student-Produced Film, a film on Rehabilitation, a Health Innovation Film and a Very Short Film.

Emilia Clarke, Actress and Health Activist from the United Kingdom, and juror of the 3rd HAFF, said: "It has been an honour and a pleasure for me to join the jury of the Health for All Film Festival by the World Health Organization, especially for watching this year's special category about Rehabilitation which is something I care about and believe in deeply, as my Foundation is dedicated to this issue for people affected by brain injuries. Where rehabilitation means coming back to rediscover you are still the SameYou.

I hope that you'll be moved as I was by the winning short film of this special prize, not only is it for a cause close to my heart but it also is one of the most beautiful short films I've seen in a long time, as well as many others that I invite and encourage you to watch online at this festival's website, it was such a close call as all the films we watched each had their own magic and importance!"

List of films receiving awards

UHC "GRAND PRIX":
"Pre-eclampsia: Predict Earlier, Prevent Earlier"  - Indonesia / Maternal health / Documentary – Duration 7'53'' / Submitted and directed by Indonesian Prenatal Institute

Health Emergencies "GRAND PRIX":
"Intensive" - United Kingdom / COVID-19 severe case / Animation – Duration 7'26'' / Submitted and directed by Oliver John Pratt (United Kingdom)

Better Health and Well-being "GRAND PRIX":
"Euphoric"  - India / Female Genital Mutilation / Artistic creation based on testimony – Duration 4'35'' / Submitted and directed by Nirmala Choudhary and Roopali Ramesh Kumar (India)

SPECIAL PRIZE Rehabilitation Film:
"Sim-Patia" – Spain - Italy / Brain injury / Animation - Duration 2'42'' / Submitted and directed by Carlos Gómez-Mira Sagrado and Rossana Giacomelli

SPECIAL PRIZE Health Innovation film:
"For Every Girl, a Forest"  - India / Gender equity / Documentary – Duration 6'24'' / Submitted and directed by Jose Corbella (Argentina)

STUDENT FILM PRIZE:
"Improving Lives in Three Dimensions: 3D-Printed Prostheses" - Sierra Leone / Disability / Documentary – Duration 5'03''
Submitted and directed by Merel van der Stelt (The Netherlands)

SPECIAL PRIZE Very Short Film:
"Glamming my Wounds"  - Kenya / Gender Based Violence / Fiction – Duration  1'55''
Submitted and directed by Terry Adhiambo Ombaka (Kenya)

List of films receiving a special mention from the jury

UHC Special Mention:
"The 5% : A Family's Perspective on Complex Clubfoot"  - Brazil / Disability / Documentary – Duration 5'40'' / Submitted by MiracleFeet and directed by Rachel Vianna (Brazil)

Health Emergencies Special Mention: "I was just a child"  - Philippines / Natural disasters / Animation – Duration 5'06'' / Submitted and directed by Breech Asher Harani (Philippines)

Better Health and Well-being Special Mention:
"Autism in China: The Challenges Parents Face Raising Children of the Stars"  - China / Documentary – Duration 8'28''  / Submitted and directed by Andersen Weicong Xia (China)

Rehabilitation Special Mention:
"Move, Dance, Feel"  - United Kingdom / Cancer and artistic dancing to support treatment / Documentary – Duration 4'58''  / Submitted and directed by Emily Jenkins and Move Dance Feel (United Kingdom)

Health Innovation Special Mention: "Malakit"  - Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname / Malaria - Access to diagnosis and care in remote areas / Documentary – Duration 8'54'' / Submitted and directed by Maylis Douine (French Guiana)

Very Short Films Special Mention:
"Meet the Willbuts"  - Saint Kitts and Nevis / NCDs prevention / Animation – Duration 1'23'' / Submitted and directed by Oyehmi Begho and Lake Health and Wellbeing (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

For more details on the official selection, the jury composition and further information, please visit https://www.who.int/film-festival



More than 1000 film makers from over 110 countries have submitted short films for the 3rd edition of the WHO Health for All Film Festival (HAFF), on themes ranging from the trauma of war to living with COVID-19, through women's health and so much more. Seventy short films have been chosen for the shortlist reviewed by a jury of international actors, development leaders and senior WHO experts. WHO's Director-General approved the advice from this jury and announced the winners today.

"These compelling short films, combining powerful storytelling with important public health information, portray the huge range of health challenges that people face around the world every day," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "With 3500 submissions received over three years so far, the WHO Health for All Film Festival has demonstrated that short films can make a big difference to raising awareness on these important health issues, and stimulate action to promote and protect health."

The 70 shortlisted films are available to view online in six playlists. From this official selection one "GRAND PRIX" is attributed for each of the three main competition categories: Universal Health Coverage, Health emergencies, and Better health and well-being.

Sharon Stone, Golden Globe and EMMY Award-winning Actress from the United States of America, juror of the 3rd HAFF, Producer, and Activist for Health and Humanitarian Causes, said: "I am so delighted to be part of the Health for All Film Festival. This is about creating better awareness on crucial actions needed for reaching healthier living conditions around the world.  These documentaries that we viewed were all just wonderful. The stories selected talk to us about the intrinsic value of good health and its access, and they advocate for universal health coverage. Universal health coverage is a very important right, it's a human right for everyone around the world."

Four special prizes are also attributed for a Student-Produced Film, a film on Rehabilitation, a Health Innovation Film and a Very Short Film.

Emilia Clarke, Actress and Health Activist from the United Kingdom, and juror of the 3rd HAFF, said: "It has been an honour and a pleasure for me to join the jury of the Health for All Film Festival by the World Health Organization, especially for watching this year's special category about Rehabilitation which is something I care about and believe in deeply, as my Foundation is dedicated to this issue for people affected by brain injuries. Where rehabilitation means coming back to rediscover you are still the SameYou.

I hope that you'll be moved as I was by the winning short film of this special prize, not only is it for a cause close to my heart but it also is one of the most beautiful short films I've seen in a long time, as well as many others that I invite and encourage you to watch online at this festival's website, it was such a close call as all the films we watched each had their own magic and importance!"

List of films receiving awards

UHC "GRAND PRIX":
"Pre-eclampsia: Predict Earlier, Prevent Earlier"  - Indonesia / Maternal health / Documentary – Duration 7'53'' / Submitted and directed by Indonesian Prenatal Institute

Health Emergencies "GRAND PRIX":
"Intensive" - United Kingdom / COVID-19 severe case / Animation – Duration 7'26'' / Submitted and directed by Oliver John Pratt (United Kingdom)

Better Health and Well-being "GRAND PRIX":
"Euphoric"  - India / Female Genital Mutilation / Artistic creation based on testimony – Duration 4'35'' / Submitted and directed by Nirmala Choudhary and Roopali Ramesh Kumar (India)

SPECIAL PRIZE Rehabilitation Film:
"Sim-Patia" – Spain - Italy / Brain injury / Animation - Duration 2'42'' / Submitted and directed by Carlos Gómez-Mira Sagrado and Rossana Giacomelli

SPECIAL PRIZE Health Innovation film:
"For Every Girl, a Forest"  - India / Gender equity / Documentary – Duration 6'24'' / Submitted and directed by Jose Corbella (Argentina)

STUDENT FILM PRIZE:
"Improving Lives in Three Dimensions: 3D-Printed Prostheses" - Sierra Leone / Disability / Documentary – Duration 5'03''
Submitted and directed by Merel van der Stelt (The Netherlands)

SPECIAL PRIZE Very Short Film:
"Glamming my Wounds"  - Kenya / Gender Based Violence / Fiction – Duration  1'55''
Submitted and directed by Terry Adhiambo Ombaka (Kenya)

List of films receiving a special mention from the jury

UHC Special Mention:
"The 5% : A Family's Perspective on Complex Clubfoot"  - Brazil / Disability / Documentary – Duration 5'40'' / Submitted by MiracleFeet and directed by Rachel Vianna (Brazil)

Health Emergencies Special Mention: "I was just a child"  - Philippines / Natural disasters / Animation – Duration 5'06'' / Submitted and directed by Breech Asher Harani (Philippines)

Better Health and Well-being Special Mention:
"Autism in China: The Challenges Parents Face Raising Children of the Stars"  - China / Documentary – Duration 8'28''  / Submitted and directed by Andersen Weicong Xia (China)

Rehabilitation Special Mention:
"Move, Dance, Feel"  - United Kingdom / Cancer and artistic dancing to support treatment / Documentary – Duration 4'58''  / Submitted and directed by Emily Jenkins and Move Dance Feel (United Kingdom)

Health Innovation Special Mention: "Malakit"  - Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname / Malaria - Access to diagnosis and care in remote areas / Documentary – Duration 8'54'' / Submitted and directed by Maylis Douine (French Guiana)

Very Short Films Special Mention:
"Meet the Willbuts"  - Saint Kitts and Nevis / NCDs prevention / Animation – Duration 1'23'' / Submitted and directed by Oyehmi Begho and Lake Health and Wellbeing (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

For more details on the official selection, the jury composition and further information, please visit https://www.who.int/film-festival

subject: WHO announces winners at the Awards ceremony of the 3rd Health for All Film Festival (HAFF)
Event
body:

A new report published today by WHO and UNICEF reveals that more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition. Yet nearly one billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as 3% of the need for these life-changing products.

The Global Report on Assistive Technology presents evidence for the first time on the global need for and access to assistive products and provides a series of recommendations to expand availability and access, raise awareness of the need, and implement inclusion policies to improve the lives of millions of people.

"Assistive technology is a life changer – it opens the door to education for children with impairments, employment and social interaction for adults living with disabilities, and an independent life of dignity for older persons," said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Denying people access to these life-changing tools is not only an infringement of human rights, it's economically shortsighted. We call on all countries to fund and prioritize access to assistive technology and give everyone a chance to live up to their potential."

"Nearly 240 million children have disabilities. Denying children the right to the products they need to thrive doesn't only harm individual children, it deprives families and their communities of everything they could contribute if their needs were met," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Without access to assistive technology, children with disabilities will continue to miss out on their education, continue to be at a greater risk of child labor and continue to be subjected to stigma and discrimination, undermining their confidence and wellbeing."

The report notes that the number of people in need of one or more assistive products is likely to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050, due to populations ageing and the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases rising across the world. The report also highlights the vast gap in access between low- and high-income countries. An analysis of 35 countries reveals that access varies from 3% in poorer nations to 90% in wealthy countries.

Affordability is a major barrier to access, the report notes. Around two thirds of people with assistive products reported out-of-pocket payments for them. Others reported relying on family and friends to financially support their needs.

A survey of 70 countries featured in the report found large gaps in service provision and trained workforce for assistive technology, especially in the domains of cognition, communication and self-care. Previous surveys published by WHO note a lack of awareness and unaffordable prices, lack of services, inadequate product quality, range and quantity, and procurement and supply chain challenges as key barriers.

Assistive products are generally considered a means to participate in community life and in wider society on an equal footing with others; without them, people suffer exclusion, are at risk of isolation, live in poverty, may face hunger, and be forced to depend more on family, community and government support.

The positive impact of assistive products goes beyond improving the health, well-being, participation and inclusion of individual users – families and societies also benefit. For example, enlarging access to quality-assured, safe and affordable assistive products leads to reduced health and welfare costs, such as recurrent hospital admissions or state benefits, and promotes a more productive labour force, indirectly stimulating economic growth.

Access to assistive technology for children with disabilities is often the first step for childhood development, access to education, participation in sports and civic life, and getting ready for employment like their peers. Children with disabilities have additional challenges due to their growth, which requires frequent adjustments or replacements of their assistive products.

The report makes recommendations for concrete action to improve access, including:

  1. Improve access within education, health and social care systems
  2. Ensure availability, safety, effectiveness and affordability of assistive products
  3. Enlarge, diversify and improve workforce capacity
  4. Actively involve users of assistive technology and their families
  5. Increase public awareness and combat stigma
  6. Invest in data and evidence-based policy
  7. Invest in research, innovation, and an enabling ecosystem
  8. Develop and invest in enabling environments
  9. Include assistive technology in humanitarian responses
  10. 10.Provide technical and economic assistance through international cooperation to support national efforts.

###

Note to Editors:

Assistive technology is an umbrella term for assistive products and their related systems and services. Assistive products can enhance performance in all key functional domains such as mobility, hearing, self-care, vision, cognition and communication. They may be physical products, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics or spectacles, or digital software and apps. They may also be adaptations to the physical environment, for example portable ramps or grab-rails.

People in need assistive technology include people with disability, older people, people with communicable and noncommunicable diseases including neglected tropical diseases, people with mental health conditions, people with gradual functional decline or loss of intrinsic capacity and many people affected by humanitarian crises. 

 



A new report published today by WHO and UNICEF reveals that more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition. Yet nearly one billion of them are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access can be as low as 3% of the need for these life-changing products.

The Global Report on Assistive Technology presents evidence for the first time on the global need for and access to assistive products and provides a series of recommendations to expand availability and access, raise awareness of the need, and implement inclusion policies to improve the lives of millions of people.

"Assistive technology is a life changer – it opens the door to education for children with impairments, employment and social interaction for adults living with disabilities, and an independent life of dignity for older persons," said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Denying people access to these life-changing tools is not only an infringement of human rights, it's economically shortsighted. We call on all countries to fund and prioritize access to assistive technology and give everyone a chance to live up to their potential."

"Nearly 240 million children have disabilities. Denying children the right to the products they need to thrive doesn't only harm individual children, it deprives families and their communities of everything they could contribute if their needs were met," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Without access to assistive technology, children with disabilities will continue to miss out on their education, continue to be at a greater risk of child labor and continue to be subjected to stigma and discrimination, undermining their confidence and wellbeing."

The report notes that the number of people in need of one or more assistive products is likely to rise to 3.5 billion by 2050, due to populations ageing and the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases rising across the world. The report also highlights the vast gap in access between low- and high-income countries. An analysis of 35 countries reveals that access varies from 3% in poorer nations to 90% in wealthy countries.

Affordability is a major barrier to access, the report notes. Around two thirds of people with assistive products reported out-of-pocket payments for them. Others reported relying on family and friends to financially support their needs.

A survey of 70 countries featured in the report found large gaps in service provision and trained workforce for assistive technology, especially in the domains of cognition, communication and self-care. Previous surveys published by WHO note a lack of awareness and unaffordable prices, lack of services, inadequate product quality, range and quantity, and procurement and supply chain challenges as key barriers.

Assistive products are generally considered a means to participate in community life and in wider society on an equal footing with others; without them, people suffer exclusion, are at risk of isolation, live in poverty, may face hunger, and be forced to depend more on family, community and government support.

The positive impact of assistive products goes beyond improving the health, well-being, participation and inclusion of individual users – families and societies also benefit. For example, enlarging access to quality-assured, safe and affordable assistive products leads to reduced health and welfare costs, such as recurrent hospital admissions or state benefits, and promotes a more productive labour force, indirectly stimulating economic growth.

Access to assistive technology for children with disabilities is often the first step for childhood development, access to education, participation in sports and civic life, and getting ready for employment like their peers. Children with disabilities have additional challenges due to their growth, which requires frequent adjustments or replacements of their assistive products.

The report makes recommendations for concrete action to improve access, including:

  1. Improve access within education, health and social care systems
  2. Ensure availability, safety, effectiveness and affordability of assistive products
  3. Enlarge, diversify and improve workforce capacity
  4. Actively involve users of assistive technology and their families
  5. Increase public awareness and combat stigma
  6. Invest in data and evidence-based policy
  7. Invest in research, innovation, and an enabling ecosystem
  8. Develop and invest in enabling environments
  9. Include assistive technology in humanitarian responses
  10. 10.Provide technical and economic assistance through international cooperation to support national efforts.

###

Note to Editors:

Assistive technology is an umbrella term for assistive products and their related systems and services. Assistive products can enhance performance in all key functional domains such as mobility, hearing, self-care, vision, cognition and communication. They may be physical products, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics or spectacles, or digital software and apps. They may also be adaptations to the physical environment, for example portable ramps or grab-rails.

People in need assistive technology include people with disability, older people, people with communicable and noncommunicable diseases including neglected tropical diseases, people with mental health conditions, people with gradual functional decline or loss of intrinsic capacity and many people affected by humanitarian crises. 

 

subject: Almost one billion children and adults with disabilities and older persons in need of assistive technology denied access, according to new report
Event
body:

Despite the the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization's 2020-2021 Results Report tracks WHO's significant achievements across the global health spectrum. Released ahead of the World Health Assembly next week, the report details such accomplishments as the delivery of more than 1.4 billion vaccine doses via the COVAX facility, the recommendation for broad use of the world's first malaria vaccine and WHO's response to some 87 health emergencies, including COVID-19.

During 2020-2021, WHO led the largest-ever global response to a health crisis, working with 1600 technical and operational partners, and helped galvanise the biggest, fastest and most complex vaccination drive in history. The Organization spent US$1.7 billion on essential supplies to the COVID-19 response.

"Even as WHO has responded to the most severe global health crisis in a century, we have continued to support our Member States in addressing many other threats to health, despite squeezed budgets and disrupted services," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

"As the world continues to respond to and recover from the pandemic in the years ahead, WHO's priority is to invest even more resources for our work in countries, where it matters most," he continued. "Ensuring WHO has sustainable, predictable and flexible financing is essential for fulfilling our mission to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable."

The ACT-A partnership delivered over 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by January 2022. The global rollout of crucial health materials included nearly US$500 million worth of personal protective equipment; US$ 187 million in oxygen supplies, US$4.8 million in treatments and 110 million diagnostic tests.

However, much remains to be done for the world to get on track for WHO's target of each country vaccinating 70% of its population by July 2022.   

WHO's performance beyond pandemic

The Results Report reveals noteworthy achievements beyond the pandemic. Mandatory policies prohibiting the use of trans fatty acids (a hazardous food compound linked to cardiovascular disease), are in effect for 3.2 billion people in 58 countries. Among these countries, 40 have best practice policies, including Brazil, Peru, Singapore, Turkey and the United Kingdom. WHO's REPLACE initiative aims for a world free of trans-fats by the end of 2023.   

Thanks to implementation of measures mandated by WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, tobacco use is decreasing in 150 countries, saving lives and livelihoods.   

Due to efforts to scale up life-saving interventions guided by WHO guidelines, 15 countries have achieved elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis.  

And WHO's recommendation of widespread use of the world's first malaria vaccine (RTS,S) has been delivered to over 1 million children. It is expected to save 40 000 to 80 000 lives a year, when used with other malaria control interventions.  

A voice for health equity

The report demonstrates WHO's crucial role as the world's global health guardian, speaking up for health equity in a world of widening inequalities.

The grave costs of the pandemic were felt everywhere. The report portrays a world which is clearly further off track to reach crucial global health goals. Due to myriad disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have fallen behind on WHO's "Triple Billion targets" that provide critical pathways to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.  

Progress on Universal health coverage and healthier populations are at about one quarter or less the pace needed to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and no country was fully prepared for a pandemic of such scale. 

COVID-19 also caused huge disruptions to health services: 117 of 127 countries surveyed reported disruption to at least one essential health service because of COVID, whilst the average disruption across those countries was a staggering 45%.

Going forward, fulfilling the triple billion targets will be WHO's overriding goal, as a measurable means of reducing health equity gaps.

Key role of sustainable financing

The Results Report details WHO's efforts towards transparency and accountability, providing details of expenditure. The WHO Programme Budget for 2020-2021 was $5 840.4 million.  In fact, financing reached US $7 916 million, due to COVID-19 emergency operations. The surplus was thanks to the generosity of donors, including 12 Member States which contributed approximately 71% of the total financing.

Nonetheless, the largest share of WHO financing is earmarked by donors through specified voluntary contributions. Flexible funds constituted only 20% of total financing in 2020-2021.  

If WHO is to play its full role in achieving the SDGs, delivering on universal health coverage, reducing the burden of ill health and protecting 1 billion more people from health emergencies, the share of regular, stable, predictable financing must increase.

Note to Editors

COVAX is co-led by  CEPI, Gavi and WHO, alongside key delivery partner UNICEF. In the Americas, the PAHO Revolving Fund is the recognized procurement agent for COVAX.

WHO's Triple Billion targets, by 2023: 1 billion more people benefitting from universal health  coverage; 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies; 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being.



Despite the the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization's 2020-2021 Results Report tracks WHO's significant achievements across the global health spectrum. Released ahead of the World Health Assembly next week, the report details such accomplishments as the delivery of more than 1.4 billion vaccine doses via the COVAX facility, the recommendation for broad use of the world's first malaria vaccine and WHO's response to some 87 health emergencies, including COVID-19.

During 2020-2021, WHO led the largest-ever global response to a health crisis, working with 1600 technical and operational partners, and helped galvanise the biggest, fastest and most complex vaccination drive in history. The Organization spent US$1.7 billion on essential supplies to the COVID-19 response.

"Even as WHO has responded to the most severe global health crisis in a century, we have continued to support our Member States in addressing many other threats to health, despite squeezed budgets and disrupted services," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

"As the world continues to respond to and recover from the pandemic in the years ahead, WHO's priority is to invest even more resources for our work in countries, where it matters most," he continued. "Ensuring WHO has sustainable, predictable and flexible financing is essential for fulfilling our mission to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable."

The ACT-A partnership delivered over 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by January 2022. The global rollout of crucial health materials included nearly US$500 million worth of personal protective equipment; US$ 187 million in oxygen supplies, US$4.8 million in treatments and 110 million diagnostic tests.

However, much remains to be done for the world to get on track for WHO's target of each country vaccinating 70% of its population by July 2022.   

WHO's performance beyond pandemic

The Results Report reveals noteworthy achievements beyond the pandemic. Mandatory policies prohibiting the use of trans fatty acids (a hazardous food compound linked to cardiovascular disease), are in effect for 3.2 billion people in 58 countries. Among these countries, 40 have best practice policies, including Brazil, Peru, Singapore, Turkey and the United Kingdom. WHO's REPLACE initiative aims for a world free of trans-fats by the end of 2023.   

Thanks to implementation of measures mandated by WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, tobacco use is decreasing in 150 countries, saving lives and livelihoods.   

Due to efforts to scale up life-saving interventions guided by WHO guidelines, 15 countries have achieved elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and/or syphilis.  

And WHO's recommendation of widespread use of the world's first malaria vaccine (RTS,S) has been delivered to over 1 million children. It is expected to save 40 000 to 80 000 lives a year, when used with other malaria control interventions.  

A voice for health equity

The report demonstrates WHO's crucial role as the world's global health guardian, speaking up for health equity in a world of widening inequalities.

The grave costs of the pandemic were felt everywhere. The report portrays a world which is clearly further off track to reach crucial global health goals. Due to myriad disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have fallen behind on WHO's "Triple Billion targets" that provide critical pathways to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.  

Progress on Universal health coverage and healthier populations are at about one quarter or less the pace needed to reach the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and no country was fully prepared for a pandemic of such scale. 

COVID-19 also caused huge disruptions to health services: 117 of 127 countries surveyed reported disruption to at least one essential health service because of COVID, whilst the average disruption across those countries was a staggering 45%.

Going forward, fulfilling the triple billion targets will be WHO's overriding goal, as a measurable means of reducing health equity gaps.

Key role of sustainable financing

The Results Report details WHO's efforts towards transparency and accountability, providing details of expenditure. The WHO Programme Budget for 2020-2021 was $5 840.4 million.  In fact, financing reached US $7 916 million, due to COVID-19 emergency operations. The surplus was thanks to the generosity of donors, including 12 Member States which contributed approximately 71% of the total financing.

Nonetheless, the largest share of WHO financing is earmarked by donors through specified voluntary contributions. Flexible funds constituted only 20% of total financing in 2020-2021.  

If WHO is to play its full role in achieving the SDGs, delivering on universal health coverage, reducing the burden of ill health and protecting 1 billion more people from health emergencies, the share of regular, stable, predictable financing must increase.

Note to Editors

COVAX is co-led by  CEPI, Gavi and WHO, alongside key delivery partner UNICEF. In the Americas, the PAHO Revolving Fund is the recognized procurement agent for COVAX.

WHO's Triple Billion targets, by 2023: 1 billion more people benefitting from universal health  coverage; 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies; 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being.

subject: WHO Results Report shows global health achievements despite COVID-19 pandemic
Event
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In a world threatened by conflict, inequities, the climate crisis and pandemics, the Seventy-fifth session of the World Health Assembly will stress the importance of building a healthy and peaceful planet by harnessing science, data, technology and innovation.

This year's session of the Health Assembly will focus on the theme of "Health for Peace, Peace for Health" and will run from the 22nd until the 28th of May at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. It will include the  appointment of the next WHO Director-General.

"The pandemic has undermined progress towards the health-related targets in Sustainable Development Goals and laid bare inequities within and between countries," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Sustained recovery will require more than 'getting back on track' and reinvesting in existing services and systems. We need a new approach, which means shifting priorities and focusing on the highest-impact interventions."

The Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly will kick off with a high-level segment on 22 May with speeches from the elected Health Assembly President, Heads of State, special guests, an address by the WHO Director-General and the presentation of the Director-General's Health Awards. The Director-General's speech will set out WHO's five priorities going forward, expanding from the  vision delivered at the Executive Board meeting held in January 2022.

Ahead of the Health Assembly, on 20 May, WHO will publish the latest set of World Health Statistics, its annual compilation of health statistics for WHO's 194 Member States. The latest edition summarizes trends in life expectancy and causes of death and reports on progress towards global health/development goals for 2020.

The 2020-2021 Results Report, also published before WHA, summarizes the Organization's achievements and challenges in implementing the programme budget.

Key issues

The Health Assembly will discuss global strategies on food safety, oral health, and tuberculosis research and innovation. It will also discuss the report of the Working Group on WHO Sustainable financing.

Other key topics under discussion include:

  • Strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies
  • An implementation road map 2023–2030 for the global action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
  • Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022-2031
  • Prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Global Health for Peace Initiative

Agenda items will be discussed in Committee A, which deals with predominantly programme and budget matters, and Committee B, which deals mainly with administrative, financial and legal matters. Details can be found in the provisional agenda. The venues at the Palais des Nations are: Plenary -- room XIX; Committee A -- room XX; and Committee B -- room XVII.

Assembly delegates, partner agencies, representatives of civil society and WHO experts will also discuss priorities for public health in a series of strategic roundtables. Discussions can be followed online here.  

The Health Assembly is WHO's highest decision-making body, setting out the Organization's policy and approving its budget. WHA is attended by delegations from all WHO 194 Member States. The Health Assembly's agenda is prepared by the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board, which will meet on 18-20 May, 2022.

The Health Assembly is open to Member States, Associate Members, Observers, invited representatives of the UN and other participating inter-governmental organizations and non-State actors.

The Assembly will be webcast live from the WHO website. The provisional agenda and Assembly documents can be accessed here.

Please note that a preliminary timetable is available here: Preliminary daily timetable for the Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly.  

Media accreditation for the World Health Assembly

Journalists who wish to attend the World Health Assembly and who are NOT accredited to the United Nations should request media accreditation from the United Nations Information Service by registering on the INDICO registration platform.

Updates on the Health Assembly will be posted on the WHO website and relevant materials will be sent to the global media list. Register for updates.  

A daily journal will be available here. 

Photographs and videos

Information on the WHO Photo Service and videos for media can be obtained from Chris Black on mobile +41 79 472 6054 or email blackc@who.int.

Social media

WHO will provide regular updates from the World Health Assembly via Twitter – follow @WHO and hashtag #WHA75.

Follow WHO's other social media accounts for updates from #WHA75: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube



In a world threatened by conflict, inequities, the climate crisis and pandemics, the Seventy-fifth session of the World Health Assembly will stress the importance of building a healthy and peaceful planet by harnessing science, data, technology and innovation.

This year's session of the Health Assembly will focus on the theme of "Health for Peace, Peace for Health" and will run from the 22nd until the 28th of May at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. It will include the  appointment of the next WHO Director-General.

"The pandemic has undermined progress towards the health-related targets in Sustainable Development Goals and laid bare inequities within and between countries," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Sustained recovery will require more than 'getting back on track' and reinvesting in existing services and systems. We need a new approach, which means shifting priorities and focusing on the highest-impact interventions."

The Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly will kick off with a high-level segment on 22 May with speeches from the elected Health Assembly President, Heads of State, special guests, an address by the WHO Director-General and the presentation of the Director-General's Health Awards. The Director-General's speech will set out WHO's five priorities going forward, expanding from the  vision delivered at the Executive Board meeting held in January 2022.

Ahead of the Health Assembly, on 20 May, WHO will publish the latest set of World Health Statistics, its annual compilation of health statistics for WHO's 194 Member States. The latest edition summarizes trends in life expectancy and causes of death and reports on progress towards global health/development goals for 2020.

The 2020-2021 Results Report, also published before WHA, summarizes the Organization's achievements and challenges in implementing the programme budget.

Key issues

The Health Assembly will discuss global strategies on food safety, oral health, and tuberculosis research and innovation. It will also discuss the report of the Working Group on WHO Sustainable financing.

Other key topics under discussion include:

  • Strengthening WHO preparedness for and response to health emergencies
  • An implementation road map 2023–2030 for the global action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
  • Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022-2031
  • Prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Global Health for Peace Initiative

Agenda items will be discussed in Committee A, which deals with predominantly programme and budget matters, and Committee B, which deals mainly with administrative, financial and legal matters. Details can be found in the provisional agenda. The venues at the Palais des Nations are: Plenary -- room XIX; Committee A -- room XX; and Committee B -- room XVII.

Assembly delegates, partner agencies, representatives of civil society and WHO experts will also discuss priorities for public health in a series of strategic roundtables. Discussions can be followed online here.  

The Health Assembly is WHO's highest decision-making body, setting out the Organization's policy and approving its budget. WHA is attended by delegations from all WHO 194 Member States. The Health Assembly's agenda is prepared by the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board, which will meet on 18-20 May, 2022.

The Health Assembly is open to Member States, Associate Members, Observers, invited representatives of the UN and other participating inter-governmental organizations and non-State actors.

The Assembly will be webcast live from the WHO website. The provisional agenda and Assembly documents can be accessed here.

Please note that a preliminary timetable is available here: Preliminary daily timetable for the Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly.  

Media accreditation for the World Health Assembly

Journalists who wish to attend the World Health Assembly and who are NOT accredited to the United Nations should request media accreditation from the United Nations Information Service by registering on the INDICO registration platform.

Updates on the Health Assembly will be posted on the WHO website and relevant materials will be sent to the global media list. Register for updates.  

A daily journal will be available here. 

Photographs and videos

Information on the WHO Photo Service and videos for media can be obtained from Chris Black on mobile +41 79 472 6054 or email blackc@who.int.

Social media

WHO will provide regular updates from the World Health Assembly via Twitter – follow @WHO and hashtag #WHA75.

Follow WHO's other social media accounts for updates from #WHA75: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

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