The sessions will convene to listen to faith-based partners and service providers in health and healing within the context of the 78th World Health Assembly, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19 to 27 May. The sessions are being held in cooperation with various international faith-based networks and civil society networks. The conversations will be held on 21 and 22 May, providing a platform for sharing burdens and challenges in the face of health crises and considerable funding cuts. Participants will be able to document the experiences of churches and partners in facing these challenges, then discern collective strategies of hope, advocacy, and agency in health and healing ministries. The gift of hope In a message, the WCC Commission of Churches on Health and Healing has called for urgent action to address threats to public health. “As faith communities, we have the gift of hope that endures even in the most difficult times,” reads the message. “Easter reminds us that there is hope beyond all difficulties.” The message calls on governments and the international community to take consistent and sustainable practical steps to make a difference in people's lives. “Beyond lamenting, there is a great need to reflect and develop strategies for prayerful advocacy and action moving forward and overcoming the current challenges,” reads the message. “This is a crisis that can become an opportunity for leveraging and redirecting our resources, provided that we strategically see beyond the immediate consequences of our difficulties.” The message acknowledges the precipitous reduction in investment in health, development, and humanitarian support. “There is a stark decline in support for international institutions, research, monitoring, and coordination of many global processes,” reads the message. “Infection rates will rise, and lives will be lost; resistance to infectious agents will increase, and this will put millions in danger.” There is also an impact on the elderly, who will encounter even more difficulties in accessing proper care, the message notes. “Weakened global Institutions and reduced capacity and support for pandemic preparedness are increasing global health insecurity,” reads the message. “No country or community is immune to global outbreaks.” Experts predict the consequences of cuts to international aid will inevitably find us. “When they do, they’re going to impact the most vulnerable, including senior citizens, people with disabilities, low-income residents, people living with chronic diseases and HIV, and those relying on public health programs,” reads the message. “A shift in policy weakens efforts to mitigate the health impacts of climate change, which is felt most acutely in countries, regions, and communities that are most at risk.” The message notes that it is vital that churches and faith communities invest in sustainable, broad-based actions. “It is vital that we empathise with the most vulnerable communities and commit to working alongside and together with marginalised communities and peoples,” the message reads. “By being united and responding to these crises, we embody Christ's love for the most vulnerable and work towards a future of healing, justice, and peace for all,” the message reads. Register in advance for the meeting on May 21, 2025 12:00 PM Central European time https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WP_DtPbWSHyi2ZvUflpIRQ on May 22, 2025 04:00 PM Central European time Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hajnRaqMQdGQBfZLRx_fnQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting. Link to the Call from the Commission. | 
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