Advancing universal health coverage through Traditional Medicine: 79th World Health Assembly, Geneva, Switzerland, 18–23 May 2026

Overview

The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) is convening at a moment of intensified pressure on health systems worldwide. Persistent inequities, rising demand for care and constrained resources require new and complementary approaches that strengthen primary healthcare and advance universal health coverage.

Adoption of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 during WHA78 was a landmark moment in building a shared vision for the way forward. At WHA79, Member States and partners will explore how to accelerate progress through safe, effective, evidence-based and people-centred solutions – in which Traditional Medicine (TM) has a critical role to play.