WHO Opens Geneva Assembly Amid Hanta, Ebola Fears

World Health Organization opened its annual assembly in Geneva on Monday amid growing global concerns over outbreaks of the hantavirus and Ebola.

The six-day gathering, attended by nearly 100 health ministers and international officials, is expected to focus heavily on emerging health threats despite the two outbreaks not being formally included on the official agenda.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the outbreaks reflect broader global instability driven by conflict, economic crises, climate change, and declining international aid.

Delegates at the 79th World Health Assembly are also expected to debate major healthcare reform proposals, including discussions on reshaping the global health governance system in response to mounting international challenges.