Spain’s health secretary met WHO in Geneva to discuss universal coverage, organ transplantation, pandemic response and other global health priorities, reinforcing Spain's partnership.

Spain’s Secretary of State for Health Javier Padilla Bernáldez met WHO leaders in Geneva on April 23‑24 to outline joint health priorities.

The two‑day visit brought a senior Spanish delegation, including Director of the Cabinet Paola Cannata Molero and Technical Secretary General Jacobo Fernández Álvarez, to the WHO headquarters. They held briefings with Assistant Director‑Generals Ailan Li, Catharina Boehme and Yukiko Nakatani, as well as Deputy Director‑General Michael Ryan.

Key discussion topics

Participants examined a broad agenda that spans universal health coverage, health‑system strengthening and primary‑care delivery. They reviewed pandemic‑response mechanisms and the role of emergency medical teams. The dialogue also covered organ and tissue transplantation, with emphasis on ethical access, oversight and the WHO Transplantation Programme.

Other subjects included malaria and other tropical diseases, polio eradication, tobacco and alcohol control, nutrition, food safety, health‑workforce development and the social determinants of health.

Spain’s contributions to WHO programs

WHO officials thanked Spain for sustained financial and technical assistance. Over the last biennium, Spanish support helped expand access to essential medicines, improve climate‑resilient health services and boost data‑driven innovation in member states.

Spain remains a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and continues to fund WHO’s Health Emergency Appeal, which protects health in humanitarian crises. The country also backs WHO efforts to combat malaria and neglected tropical diseases and to strengthen preparedness for health emergencies.

As a world leader in organ and tissue transplantation, Spain contributes expertise through its Ministry of Health to improve safety, quality and accessibility of transplants worldwide. WHO highlighted Spain’s role in helping countries develop sustainable, self‑sufficient transplant systems.

The delegation left Geneva with a set of agreed actions, including expanded collaboration on universal health coverage, joint research on transplant ethics and coordinated responses to emerging health threats.