79th World Health Assembly concludes in Geneva; new enzyme identified in Alzheimer's research

Geneva, May 20. The World Health Organization's 79th World Health Assembly was held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together health delegates from around the world.

Honouring health champions

At the assembly, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recognised six individuals and institutions whose contributions to global health went beyond the call of duty. Strengthening primary health care was at the centre of this year's discussions.

Hope in Alzheimer's research

Meanwhile, medical research published in May 2026 identified a new enzyme called "IDOL" as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease. A separate study found that women may be especially sensitive to dementia risk factors.

The bigger picture

According to the WHO's annual report, despite funding cuts the organization responded to 66 emergencies across 88 countries in 2025. Experts say combining new research with stronger primary-health infrastructure could save millions of lives in the years ahead.