Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa was formally sworn in on Monday (Philippine time) as President of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

This is the first time that the Philippines will chair the WHA, which is the highest decision-making body in global health and is comprised of 194 member countries.

Herbosa expressed his gratitude to the members of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region for the country's nomination and all WHO member states for their support and strong ties.

"I would like to thank this Assembly for their trust in electing me as the president of the 78th World Health Assembly," Herbosa said.

The Health chief also thanked Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, the Health Minister of the Republic of Botswana, who chaired the previous Assembly.

As the WHA starts, various issues will be discussed, including climate change and health, along with the formulation of policies to strengthen relationships among countries around the world.

The health forum will take place until 27 May under the theme "One World for Health."