MedTech Europe participation at WHO governance meetings: WHA79 and EB159
Posted on 07.05.2026
May 2026 will be a key moment for global health policy, with the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79, 18- 23 May 2026) and the 159th session of the Executive Board (EB159, 25026 May) taking place under the World Health Organisation.
MedTech Europe will attend these meetings through the Global Medical Technology Alliance (GMTA), contributing to discussions on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly and engaging on topics relevant to the medical technology sector.
The WHA79 agenda includes several items of direct relevance for the medical technology sector. Discussions on universal health coverage include a focus on prevention, screening, early detection and diagnosis. Draft resolutions on precision medicine highlight the role of diagnostics, laboratory infrastructure, digital health platforms and artificial intelligence in supporting more targeted and efficient care.
In addition, agenda items on diagnostic imaging and teleradiology address the expansion of access to imaging services, as well as considerations related to interoperability, data protection and quality standards. Further topics under discussion include stroke care, pharmacovigilance systems and the draft global strategy for integrated emergency, critical and operative care (2026 to 2035), all of which rely on medical technologies across the patient pathway.
Digital health, data governance and artificial intelligence will also feature prominently, including discussions on the harmonisation of regulatory approaches and standards at global level.
Jesús Rueda Rodríguez, Director General Industrial Affairs & Strategies at MedTech Europe and Diana Kanecka, Director International Affairs at MedTech Europe will participate in WHA79. Tatjana Sachse, Partner at Sidley Austin and GMTA Geneva-based representative, will participate in EB159. Jesús Rueda Rodríguez will also represent MedTech Europe and GMTA at the Global Diagnostic Coalition meeting on 25 May 2026.
For more information, please contact Clare Birmingham, Manager International Affairs.