New Delhi, April 29 — India played host to the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025, bringing together global health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss pressing healthcare challenges and opportunities in the South-East Asian region. The event marked a significant milestone in India’s global health diplomacy, with the country boldly declaring the next ten years as the ‘Health Decade’.
Held in New Delhi, the summit focused on themes such as universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, digital health innovation, climate-resilient healthcare systems, and equitable access to medical technologies. The event drew participation from representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, leading universities, and health ministries from over 40 countries.
India’s Vision for a Healthier Future
Speaking at the inauguration, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized India’s commitment to global health leadership. “India is not just a consumer of healthcare solutions but a key contributor to innovations, supply chains, and equitable access. We envision the next ten years as a Health Decade — a time of accelerated action, innovation, and equity in health.”
The summit highlighted India’s role in driving digital public health infrastructure, vaccine manufacturing, and south-south collaboration. From the CoWIN platform used during COVID-19 vaccinations to initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, India showcased how scalable and inclusive health systems can transform public health outcomes.
Global Collaboration in Focus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, addressed the gathering via video message, lauding India’s leadership in advancing regional and global health equity. “India’s efforts in technology-driven healthcare and community-based health models offer valuable lessons for the world,” he noted.
The summit also served as a platform to reinforce global health partnerships. Panels explored challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, mental health care delivery, and strengthening health systems against climate-related disruptions.
Calls for Action and Investment
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a call for greater investment in primary healthcare, stronger regional cooperation, and enhanced public-private partnerships. Delegates stressed the need to strengthen local manufacturing of essential medicines and diagnostics and bridge the gap in healthcare access across underserved populations.
The summit concluded with the New Delhi Declaration on Health Equity, a joint statement reinforcing the commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient healthcare systems across the Global South.
As India positions itself at the center of global health leadership, the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025 underscored a shared vision — one where innovation, equity, and cooperation drive the next era of global health.
