DOH Secretary Teodoro 'Ted' Herbosa (SCREENSHOT TAKEN FROM WHO'S FACEBOOK PAGE)
By Jel Santos
Published May 19, 2025 19:16 pm
for the first time in history, the Philippines is leading the World Health Organization’s top decision-making body, with Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa formally assuming the presidency of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday, May 19, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The WHA is composed of 194 member states and serves as the primary forum for setting international health policies and global health priorities.
Herbosa expressed gratitude to the WHO Western Pacific Region for nominating the Philippines and to all WHO member states for their support and continued collaboration.
“I offer my sincere gratitude for your trust and confidence. You have not only entrusted the Philippines but more importantly reaffirmed our shared commitment to global solidarity in health,” he said.
The DOH chief also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Edwin G. Dikoloti, the health minister of the Republic of Botswana, who presided over the previous assembly, and Dr. Youngmee Jee of the Republic of Korea for opening the current session.
As the WHA commenced, delegates from around the world began discussions on key global health challenges, including pandemic preparedness, strengthening health systems, improving access to health technologies, and accelerating progress toward universal health coverage.
The WHA is expected to lay the groundwork for new health policies that will reinforce international cooperation.
