WHA78 | Health Innovation Exchange

TURNING THE TIDE: LEVERAGING AI AND INNOVATIVE FINANCE FOR HEALTHCARE RESILIENCE

The global health landscape faces unprecedented challenges - from the lasting effects of COVID-19 to escalating climate-related health crises and deepening healthcare inequities. These pressures are compounded by shifting global policies and competing priorities. As a result, systemic vulnerabilities in health systems have been exposed, underscoring the urgent need for transformative solutions to enhance resilience and equity.

Turning the Tide focuses on two key drivers of change: the transformative power of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), and innovative financing mechanisms to strengthen global health systems.

AI enables real-time data analytics, improved diagnostics, personalized care, disease prevention, and resource optimization on a scale and speed, allowing health systems to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats. Meanwhile, novel financing models and sustainable public-private partnerships are critical in ensuring equitable healthcare access, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Turning the Tide will bring together key stakeholders of global health – governments, industry, investors, academia, civil society and communities – to highlight challenges, share ideas and find common ground. This year, the Health Innovation Exchange’s annual convening at WHA78 will continue the tradition of challenging the status quo and providing platforms to deepen partnerships towards a resilient, sustainable future.

Media accreditation: comms@hiex.ch

Venue: Intercontinental Hotel, 7 Chemin du Petit Saconnex, Geneva 1209, Switzerland

78th World Health Assembly

20 May 2025, Geneva, Switzerland

Event Format

1. Opening Plenary (Morning)

• Keynote speeches highlighting the role of AI and innovative financing in addressing global health challenges, including climate resilience, mental health, and gender equity.

• Fireside chat with thought leaders on AI, bridging policy, innovation, and investment.

2. Innovations Marketplace (All Day)

• A curated showcase of groundbreaking innovations in AI, mental health, traditional medicine, climate resilience, and health financing.

• Interactive exhibits and live demonstrations by entrepreneurs, including female-led ventures.

3. Reverse Pitch Sessions (Morning, Lunch, Evening)

• Ministers of Health from various countries present their specific health system needs and challenges with 3 areas of focus: Scaling healthcare access, building system resilience and capacities and sustainable financing.

• Opportunities for Q&A and direct engagement with policymakers.

4. Thematic Sessions (All Day) on the core themes of the event:

• AI

• Innovative Finance

• Female entrepreneurship

• Traditional medicine/ Mental health

• Climate and health

• Regional focus: Asia at crossroads

Join us as we recap HIEx's gathering of global leaders, innovators, and change makers.

This event tackled the pressing challenges at the crossroads of climate and health, offering engaging discussions, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts aimed at fortifying health systems against the impacts of climate change.

For more recaps please click on the buttons below.

WHA77 EVENT RECAP VIDEO

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