Official side-event at the 78th World Health Assembly

Costa Rica, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, with the support of CP360, a world-first coalition of leading global organisations (Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Cerebral Palsy Foundation, and International Cerebral Palsy  Society), are hosting a high-level side event during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 21 May 2025.

The event will focus on revolutionizing cerebral palsy care across the lifespan through early intervention and holistic healthcare approaches, aligning with WHO's priorities on improving access to care for neurological conditions, universal health coverage, health equity, and disability inclusion. 

Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability, affecting an estimated 50 million people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, significant global disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and lifelong care persist, with severe consequences on health and life trajectories. 

Many children are diagnosed too late to benefit from crucial early interventions during the window of neuroplasticity, while adults with CP often face fragmented healthcare systems unprepared to meet their complex needs. By applying the principles of Universal Health Coverage, we can revolutionize CP care and outcomes across the lifespan, from early childhood to old age.

Key participant takeaways:

-> Insights on how Universal Health Coverage enables early diagnosis and intervention to improve CP outcomes globally

-> Knowledge of best practices in cross-disciplinary care models that support individuals with CP throughout their lifespan.

-> Understanding of health workforce development needs that are critical for supporting early intervention and quality lifelong care.

-> Strategies to reduce health disparities in CP care through UHC implementation, particularly in LMICs.

Keynote speakers:

Dr Mary Munive Angermüller, Second Vice-President and Minister for Health, Costa Rica 

Dr Aspect Maunganidze, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe

Ambassador Noel White, Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in Geneva

Panelists:

Devora Kestel, Director, Mental Health, Brain Health & Substance Use, World Health Organization

Professor Gulam Khandaker,  Lead & Principal Investigator, Global LMIC Cerebral Palsy Registers

Agnes Kojc, Representative of Cerebral Palsy Europe on the European Disability Forum Youth Committee 

Moderators:

John Coughlan, Secretary General, International Cerebral Palsy Society

Rachel Byrne, Executive Director, Cerebral Palsy Foundation 

Bronya Metherall, General Manager Influence, Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Please note that participation is only open to delegates of the World Health Assembly and the event will not be live-streamed. Delegates may register for the side-event here: https://lu.ma/41a01au1. It is hoped to make available a recording after the event.