MEDIA ADVISORY
Ministerial Side Event on the Margins of the 79th World Health Assembly
“Elevating Hepatitis Elimination on the Global Political Agenda: From World Health Assembly to United Nations General Assembly”
INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA
WHAT: A high-level Ministerial Side Event will be convened on the margins of the 79th World Health Assembly to mobilize renewed political commitment and multilateral action toward the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
WHO: The side event is co-convened by the African Union Commission and
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Cameroon
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Brazil
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Uganda
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Pakistan
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Malaysia
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Spain
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Egypt
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Ghana
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African Union
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Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination
WHEN: 20th May 2026
TIME: 18:00-19:30 CEST
WHERE: Garden T Room, WHO Headquarters
WHY: Viral hepatitis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming approximately 1.3 million lives each year despite the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and curative therapies. Global progress toward elimination targets remains uneven, while millions continue to face barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and care. The event seeks to elevate hepatitis elimination within global political processes and reinforce international commitment toward achieving the 2030 elimination goals. Discussions will focus on strengthening political leadership, advancing equitable access to services, mobilizing sustainable financing, and promoting coordinated multilateral action aligned with Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3. The meeting is expected to conclude with a Joint Ministerial Statement outlining shared commitments and next steps toward strengthened global engagement on viral hepatitis elimination. Held under the theme “Elevating Hepatitis Elimination on the Global Political Agenda: From World Health Assembly to United Nations General Assembly,” the event will bring together Ministers of Health, global health leaders, technical experts, and development partners to strengthen political momentum, financing, and international coordination for hepatitis elimination. The event will also provide a platform for Member States to reflect on progress toward the Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis 2022–2030 and discuss pathways for future high-level engagement within the United Nations system.
Objective of the Event
The event aims to strengthen high-level political commitment and multilateral cooperation toward eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, while advancing coordinated global action and future engagement at the United Nations level.
Expected Outcomes
By the conclusion of the event, participating Member States will:
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Reaffirm collective commitment to achieving elimination by 2030.
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Recognize opportunities for accelerated national and multilateral action.
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Signal support for strengthened WHO engagement and partnerships.
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Express interest in future high-level political processes, including potential UN engagement.
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Endorse a Joint Ministerial Statement serving as a reference for subsequent diplomatic follow-up.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
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Opening remarks by senior health leaders
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High-level ministerial panel discussions
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Keynote address
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Interview opportunities with Ministers and partners
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Group photo opportunity
PARTICIPANTS
Participants will include Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Health, WHO leadership, Permanent Missions and Ambassadors, representatives of the African Union and the African Union Commission, WHO Regional Directors, technical agencies, civil society organizations, and global health partners working to advance hepatitis elimination.
JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT
For Media Interviews and further information, contact:
Ms. Inas Mubarak Yahia, Head of Division, Health Systems, Diseases and Nutrition | African Union Commission | Email: AbbasI@africanunion.org
Eric Junior Wagobera, Program Officer | African Union Commission Email: WagoberaE@africanunion.org
For media information, please contact:
Godstime Gaius, Information and Communication Directorate | Email: GaiusG@africanunion.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: Media@africanunion.org
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