Transform Health at the 79th World Health Assembly (18-23 May 2026)
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As global health leaders convene in Geneva for the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79), the world stands at a critical juncture in global health. Hard-won gains are being reversed in too many settings. Conflict and climate impacts, economic uncertainty, disrupted funding, and widening inequities are impacting already weakened health systems. Recent funding cuts have caused severe disruptions to health services in nearly three-quarters of countries surveyed by WHO, with around one quarter reporting complete closures of some health facilities. In humanitarian settings, cuts have disrupted care for more than 53 million people. Universal health coverage is way off track.
Innovation and collaboration offer a pathway forward to help countries respond to these interconnected challenges – building resilience, achieving UHC, and ensuring no one is left behind.
WHA79 – a pivotal moment to strengthen health data governance
Health systems everywhere are being reshaped by digital tools and artificial intelligence. This shift can be a major accelerator of stronger, safer, more efficient, and equitable health systems, and expanded access in underserved communities. But, without robust mechanisms for accountability and legislative safeguards, these technological advancements risk deepening inequities, compromising privacy, and eroding public trust.
This year, governance of digital health, data and artificial intelligence will receive long-overdue attention at WHA79 – under Agenda item 12.10 – ‘Harmonization of regulatory approaches, governance and standards for data, digital health and artificial intelligence in the health sector’. At the heart of this discussion is health data governance – the foundation of responsible innovation and AI in health.
This year’s Assembly is a pivotal moment to secure concrete commitments that move beyond the rhetoric, towards an agreed pathway to establish a shared global framework and resolution on health data governance for endorsement by Member States in May 2027, alongside commitments and accountability in the new global strategy on digital health (2028-2033). A resolution on health data governance would set global standards to support robust and compatible national legislative and regulatory provisions and approaches; and establish protocols to foster responsible cross-border data sharing. Importantly, it would signal political commitment at the highest level; recognise health data governance as a global health priority; and create accountability for Member States to act.
At WHA79, Transform Health calls on WHO Member States to:
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Commit to the development of a World Health Assembly resolution on health data governance for endorsement in May 2027, ensuring it includes commitments on a global standard/framework that harmonises essential legislative and regulatory provisions and sets out protocols for responsible cross-border data sharing. |
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Strengthen national health data legislation and regulation to: protect privacy and human rights and mitigate risks of misuse; enable responsible use of data for public benefit; and uphold data sovereignty. |
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Ensure rights-based principles and inclusive processes are the foundation of national and global health data governance frameworks, with the meaningful engagement of civil society. |
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Establish concrete reporting and accountability mechanisms to track progress on these commitments, through regular World Health Assembly reporting and as part of the next global digital health strategy (2028–2033). |
WHA79 must be the moment Member States move from rhetoric to concerted action, setting the course for accountable, rights-based health data governance. This is a test of political will – and the cost of delay is not neutral: without decisive action, innovation will outpace governance, and public trust will be the price.
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Transform Health at WHA79
At this year’s World Health Assembly, Transform Health is prioritising:
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- More robust health data governance and the development and endorsement of a resolution;
- Improved, better aligned, coordinated, and accountable digital health investment, including support for a Digital Health Investment Taxonomy;
- Youth action and meaningful engagement for inclusive, equitable and rights-based digital health;
- Ensuring the next Global Strategy on Digital Health (2028-2033) prioritises critical issues, including inclusion, rights‑based governance, sustainable financing, strong national leadership and interoperable architectures; moves decisively from vision to implementation (with the Roadmap to 2030 providing a practical framework for action); and embeds robust monitoring, reporting and accountability.
Throughout the week, Transform Health will be co-hosting and speaking at the following events on these topics. Click on the titles or the event posters to register.
