On January 20, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed a delegation of parliamentarians to its headquarters in Geneva for a high-level dialogue aimed at advancing women’s health and enhancing global health cooperation. The event, organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in collaboration with the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, brought together representatives from various countries, including Albania, Germany, Mexico, and South Africa.
The dialogue centered on crucial issues such as strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and addressing the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A significant theme was the necessity to transition from fragmented approaches to a more integrated strategy concerning women’s health. Dr. Alia El-Yassir, WHO’s Director for Gender, Equity and Diversity, emphasized that women’s health outcomes are influenced by persistent gender inequalities and social norms. She called for coordinated efforts across health systems to tackle these challenges comprehensively.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted thirty years ago, Dr. Anna Coates, WHO’s Gender Equality Technical Lead, noted that advancements in women’s health remain inconsistent globally. She stressed the importance of developing health systems that are more gender-responsive and capable of addressing women’s health needs throughout their lives.
During the discussions, parliamentarians highlighted the connection between health and broader social and economic policies. They advocated for stronger links between evidence, legislation, and measurable impacts at the national level. The dialogue also served as a platform for parliamentarians to express their commitment to SRHR, with a focus on issues directly impacting their constituents.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health and Ageing, presented WHO’s life-course approach to SRHR. She elaborated on how health needs evolve from birth to old age and are influenced by social determinants, humanitarian crises, and demographic changes. Dr. Allotey underscored the vital role of parliamentarians in promoting SRHR and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with WHO to support evidence-based policymaking.
The agenda also addressed the growing priority of cancer in relation to women’s health and the sustainability of health systems. Dr. Prebo Barango, Lead for the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, alongside other WHO experts, shared insights into the Organization’s integrated cancer control approach. They discussed advancements in prevention, screening, access to essential medicines, and palliative care, particularly concerning cervical, breast, and childhood cancers.
The exchange highlighted the necessity for sustained political commitment and increased domestic investment to tackle NCDs effectively. Parliamentarians shared national case studies illustrating the profound social and economic impacts of cancer on families, reinforcing the need for improved health literacy, reduced stigma, and a person-centered care approach.
The dialogue also touched upon the broader state of global multilateralism. Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care, articulated WHO’s recent restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing its efficiency and capacity to support countries. He reaffirmed the Organization’s dedication to engaging systematically with parliaments, recognizing their crucial role in shaping health policies, legislation, and budgetary allocations.
Concluding the event, participants emphasized that improving women’s health necessitates strong political leadership, sustained investments, and agile multilateral institutions. The meeting culminated in a call for ongoing collaboration, including partnerships with KAS and the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, in anticipation of the upcoming UNITE Global Summit scheduled for March 6-7, 2026, in Manila, Philippines.
