WHA 76.2 " Integrated emergency, critical and operative care for universal health coverage and protection from health emergencies, " passed with unanimous support during the 76th World Health Assembly in 2023, represented a powerful call for near-term action to strengthen health systems for delivery of high-quality emergency, critical and operative (ECO) care. In 2024, WHA 77(8) built on this and called for the development of a global strategy for integrated ECO for the period 2026–2035.
This week at the 78th World Health Assembly, Member States reported significant progress in strengthening integrated ECO as an essential component of the primary health care approach to universal health coverage. Within 2 years, integrated ECO care services have been embedded in national and regional health strategies, including the development of policies focused on sustainable financing and effective governance. Countries are actively upgrading health infrastructure and expanding their capacity to deliver high-quality ECO care.
Targeted investments in clinical processes and health worker capacity – including through Basic Emergency Care and Mass Casualty Management training - are improving care and enhancing health systems' resilience to future shocks. Member States consistently highlight the need for ongoing coordination and technical support from WHO, leveraging of global partner networks and prioritizing systematic data collection for both quality improvement and system planning.
As we reorient toward the aims of WHO's Global Programme of Work (GPW14), and the world faces the challenges of the current resource limitations, attention to effective system organization and planning is central to promoting, providing and protecting well-being for everyone, everywhere. Integrated ECO care delivers across GPW 14's strategic objectives and joint outcomes, and well-planned ECO care systems help address health risks and impacts of the escalating threats such as climate change.
To support strengthening of ECO care globally, WHO has established the Acute Care Action Network (ACAN) network, a key strategic response to WHA76.2. ACAN brings together global partners with the shared objective of strengthening acute care delivery in low- and middle-income countries through dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of WHO tools and resources. Multidisciplinary collaboration and coordinated implementation will expand access, improve quality of care, and amplify the impact of WHO's technical resources at scale.
WHO continues to support Member States in strengthening ECO care services and reaffirmed that this remains a priority area of work. Member States are signaling commitment and prioritization of ECO care services and building momentum towards global implementation to save millions of lives.
