Pate to lead Nigeria’s delegation to 78th World Health Assembly

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, will head Nigeria’s delegation to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), scheduled to hold in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19 to 27 May 2025.

The delegation includes six senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Alongside the official delegation, participants from Nigeria’s broader health ecosystem—including private sector representatives, development partners, and donor agencies—will join technical sessions and side events.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Friday by the Ministry’s Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Alaba Balogun.

According to the statement, these engagements align with the theme of this year’s WHA: “One World for Health,” which emphasizes global solidarity in tackling shared health challenges and strengthening resilient health systems.

Held annually by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Health Assembly is a major platform for shaping international health policy and promoting global health priorities. Member states will deliberate on pressing issues such as sustainable health financing, workforce development, and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)—all of which are integral to Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reforms.

Nigeria’s participation is expected to generate insights that will inform policy development, strategic planning, and implementation—while reinforcing alignment with international best practices. The delegation will take part in high-level discussions and contribute to agenda items relevant to Nigeria and the African region.

Key Topics Nigeria Will Engage With:

*Commitment to Sustainable Healthcare Financing

*Strengthening Human Resources for Health

*Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including Diabetes

*Nigeria’s Position Paper on Poliomyelitis Eradication

*Nigeria’s Position Paper on Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

*Nigeria’s Position Paper on Mental Health and Social Connection

*Nigeria’s Position Paper on the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination
Advancing Oral Health

*Enhancing Local Production of Medicines and Health Technologies

*Addressing Skin Diseases and Adverse Cosmetic Events