Dominican Republic to preside over World Health Assembly for the first time

Santo Domingo.- Dominican Health Minister Víctor Atallah will travel to Geneva, where the Dominican Republic will assume the presidency of the 79th World Health Assembly for the first time in its history. The assembly, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), will take place from May 18 to 23 at the Palais des Nations.

As president of the assembly, Atallah will lead discussions among representatives from more than 190 countries and help build consensus on key global health priorities, including health system strengthening, equity, emergency preparedness, mental health, communicable diseases, and primary care. One of the featured topics will be obesity prevention and management under the theme “Exploring Integrated and Equitable Approaches for the Prevention and Management of Obesity within Health Systems.”

The designation marks a major milestone for the Dominican Republic and reflects growing international recognition of the country’s leadership in public health and cooperation. Atallah said the role places the Dominican Republic at the center of decisions that shape international health policies and commitments.

Following the Geneva meeting, Atallah will travel to Rome to participate in Nutrition Week 2026, which will be held from May 25 to 28 at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The event will focus on food policy, nutrition security, sustainable diets, and strategies to strengthen public health systems.