WHO says the 79th World Health Assembly closed in Geneva on 23 May 2026 after member states adopted more than 20 decisions and 13 resolutions, including updates on ethical recruitment of health workers, health economics, radiation protection and antimicrobial resistance.

The 79th World Health Assembly closed in Geneva on 23 May 2026 after member states adopted more than 20 decisions and 13 resolutions, according to the World Health Organization.

WHO said the final day of the assembly focused on a burst of policy approvals covering health worker recruitment, health economics, radiation protection and antimicrobial resistance, alongside other political and administrative business.

Key decisions

Member states approved amendments to the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel, a framework intended to guide ethical hiring of health workers across borders.

They also adopted a Strategy on the economics of health for all for 2026 to 2030, which WHO said will shape how countries and the organization think about financing and the economic case for health.

In addition, delegates approved a resolution on Radiation and health: strengthening global protection, preparedness and response.

WHO said the assembly also endorsed the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance for 2026 to 2036.

Wider assembly business

The organization said WHA79 also dealt with broader reform questions, including work on the global health architecture through a member state-led, WHO-hosted joint process.

The annual assembly ran in Geneva from 18 to 23 May 2026. WHO published its closing daily update on the final day, marking the end of the meeting and the latest round of formal decisions from member states.

The main immediate next step is implementation: WHO and member states will now move from adoption to formal text publication, follow-up and operational planning for the measures approved at the assembly.

Revision note

Initial automated publication.