Reflections from WHA78: Championing palliative care on the global stage
Participating as a delegate at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in 2025 was a profoundly impactful experience that reinforced the critical importance of palliative care advocacy in global health discourse. I am sincerely grateful to the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC) for entrusting me with the opportunity to represent it alongside esteemed colleagues Drs. Katherine Pettus, Sherin Paul, Jane Bates, and Antonios Giannakis.
Members of IAHPC's nine-person delegation to the WHA (L-R): Drs. Kayla Wolofsky, Antonios Giannakis, and Sherin Susan Paul. Photo used with permission.
My career has been dedicated to enhancing access to palliative care, particularly in underserved regions such as Ghana and Uganda. Being a delegate at WHA78 was not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal affirmation of commitment to this cause.
A significant aspect of my involvement was contributing to the development and delivery of IAHPC's formal statements on two pivotal agenda items:
- Agenda Item 16.2: Addressing the need for a WHO convention on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
- Agenda Item 13.2: Focusing on mental health and social connection.
In our statement on pandemic preparedness, we underscored the necessity of integrating palliative care into health systems, emphasizing access to essential medications, training for healthcare workers, adaptable care protocols, and support for caregivers. This advocacy was especially resonant for me, having served on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion on mental health and social connection was equally significant. With both my parents having careers in social work and mental health, I have a deep appreciation for community-based support systems. Our statement highlighted the role of compassionate communities in addressing the holistic needs of individuals with serious illnesses, advocating for sustainable, locally driven solutions that complement formal healthcare structures.
Read the full text of both statements.
Other sessions were illuminating
Throughout WHA78, I attended various plenary sessions that delved into pressing global health issues, including noncommunicable diseases, and the integration of AI in medicine, health emergencies, and universal health coverage. These sessions illuminated the interconnectedness of these topics with palliative care and the overarching need for compassionate, equitable health systems. Engaging with professionals from diverse medical fields reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing global health objectives.
Beyond the formal sessions, the camaraderie among the IAHPC delegates was truly inspiring. We supported each other through statement deliveries, side events, and interactions with other delegates and health ministers. The bonds formed during this time have laid the groundwork for enduring friendships and future collaborations.
Experience informs best health policies
WHA78 served as a powerful reminder that effective health policy must be informed by practical, on-the-ground experiences. I leave Geneva with a renewed commitment to centering the needs of those with serious illnesses in global health discussions, and am honored to have contributed to amplifying IAHPC's voice on this international platform.
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