The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), which was established in 1948 to coordinate international public health efforts. The WHA is composed of delegations from all member states and is responsible for setting the organization’s policies, approving its budget, and guiding global health priorities. The Assembly addresses a wide range of public health issues, including disease control, health standards, and international health regulations. While it does not have binding enforcement authority, it plays a key role in shaping global health policy by issuing recommendations and coordinating international responses to health challenges. During major health crises, the WHA shapes policy and coordinates responses to global health emergencies. Through discussion and collaboration, member states work to address emerging health threats and improve health systems worldwide. Today, the WHA remains central to global efforts to combat disease, promote public health, and strengthen international cooperation in addressing health challenges.

Heart disease has been the most frequent cause of mortality for the past 20 years. Genetics play a role in heart disease incidence, but about 90 percent of cardiovascular disease risk is due to modifiable lifestyle factors. Conditions like heart disease are not communicable—not transmitted from person to person. Instead, it is considered a lifestyle disease, since behavioral risk factors including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, harmful alcohol use, and insufficient physical activity increase risk. Other common non-communicable conditions are diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. These diseases could affect anyone. However, impoverished people or those in rural areas less frequently access appropriate medical care, including disease screenings, which could provide an early diagnosis. Additionally, some large corporations contribute to the public’s unhealthy habits but have limited incentives to make public health changes when it means cutting into their own profits. Other individuals may choose to engage in high-risk behaviors, despite a health cost, which raises questions of how to weigh individual lifestyle choices versus burdens on the healthcare system.

Mental health is increasingly being taken more seriously, but there is a lack of reliable mental health data and treatment outcome measures. As with other healthcare issues, the availability of care is fragmented and inaccessible, especially in low-income countries. There are affordability concerns, urban-rural disparities, and major provider shortages. Additionally, stigmas in some cultures and societies can prevent people from seeking help. For example, people from certain religious backgrounds might feel shame about seeking help outside a faith system. Without help, people are not diagnosed and do not get proper care. Individuals with mental health conditions may also be criminalized when healthcare systems fail to provide adequate support. This can occur when police respond to mental health crises rather than medical professionals. Also, individuals may be unnecessarily institutionalized, or substance-use disorders are not often effectively treated. In conflict or crisis zones, mental health services are also increasingly difficult to provide.