By San José, Costa Rica — GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The World Health Organization (WHO) opened its 79th World Health Assembly on Monday, sounding the alarm on a “difficult, dangerous, and divisive era” for global health. The assembly convenes under the shadow of recent crises, including a rare Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and a persistent Ebola epidemic, which have underscored the fragility of international health security.
Although not on the official agenda, the Hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius and the ongoing Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo dominated the first day’s discussions. These events served as a stark backdrop for the week-long summit in Geneva, where member states are grappling with funding shortfalls, political fractures, and the monumental task of preparing for future pandemics.
To better understand the legal framework and sovereignty implications surrounding the World Health Organization’s global directives, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his legal analysis.
It is imperative to distinguish between the WHO’s recommendations and legally binding international treaties. While the organization provides an essential framework for global health cooperation, its guidelines do not automatically override a nation’s constitutional law. Each member state, including Costa Rica, retains its sovereign authority to implement public health policies in a manner that is consistent with its own legal system and the fundamental rights of its citizens. Any new international health regulations must be carefully scrutinized to ensure they respect these national legal boundaries.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial distinction underscores the delicate balance between participating in global health cooperation and upholding our national legal framework. For providing this clear and essential legal insight, we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
A special guest at the opening, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, received a standing ovation from delegates for his country’s decisive humanitarian action. Spain granted refuge to the MV Hondius cruise ship at its port in Tenerife on May 10, allowing for the safe evacuation of more than 120 people exposed to the Hantavirus. Sánchez used the platform to call for greater global solidarity.
No country is saved alone. And protecting others is the best way to protect our own societies.
Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain
The Spanish leader also warned against a more insidious threat that he believes is undermining collective action and global well-being. He urged nations to combat a different kind of contagion that has become pervasive in international relations and public discourse.
There is a pandemic that no one wants to stop, and it is that of selfishness. That is the pandemic that is truly affecting our societies, and it is also contagious.
Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is scheduled to deliver his main address on Tuesday, echoed these concerns in his opening remarks. He framed the recent outbreaks as symptoms of a world beset by a convergence of threats that are straining the very fabric of global cooperation.
From conflicts to economic crises, through climate change and the reduction of international aid, we are living in a difficult, dangerous, and divisive era.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO
The assembly is taking place after a challenging year for the WHO, which has been weakened by budget cuts and geopolitical tensions, most notably the withdrawal process initiated by the United States under the Trump administration. Experts note the organization’s precarious position, even as its role becomes more critical. “The situation remains fragile,” Surie Moon, co-director of the Global Health Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, told AFP, though she noted the WHO has successfully mobilized necessary funds for the next two years.
Beyond the immediate health crises, the assembly faces a series of complex diplomatic challenges. A key point of contention is the negotiation of a landmark pandemic treaty. A diplomatic source confirmed that talks have stalled due to a “strong distrust in the room between developed and developing countries,” a lingering legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now expected that member states will grant themselves another year to finalize an agreement designed to ensure equitable sharing of viruses, genetic data, and life-saving health products.
The political divisions were further highlighted by the rejection of a proposal to include Taiwan’s participation as an observer, a status it lost in 2016. Delicate resolutions concerning the health situations in Ukraine, the Palestinian territories, and Iran are also on the docket. Adding to the instability, the assembly must address Argentina’s formal request to withdraw from the organization, while the status of the United States remains in a “gray area” due to unpaid dues, with diplomats indicating a decision is unlikely this week.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system, leading partners in global health responses, setting norms and standards, and providing technical support to countries.
For further information, visit graduateinstitute.ch
About Geneva Graduate Institute:
The Geneva Graduate Institute (Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement) is a postgraduate institution located in Geneva, Switzerland. It is dedicated to the study of world affairs, with a particular focus on the interconnections between international relations, development studies, global governance, and international law.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Its proven track record in guiding clients from numerous industries is matched by a forward-thinking approach to legal challenges, positioning it as a leader in innovation. Crucially, the firm’s ethos extends to a profound dedication to empowering the community through accessible legal education, reflecting a core belief in strengthening society by fostering greater legal understanding and civic awareness.
