Switzerland Praises WHO for Strong Hantavirus Management.

Switzerland has praised the role of the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) for leading the global response to the hantavirus outbreak. During the opening of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider emphasized the importance of international cooperation and transparent health communication during future global health emergencies.

Baume-Schneider stated that the WHO remains an essential institution for global public health despite growing political pressure and financial challenges. She called for a realistic and efficient international system that allows countries to share pathogen information and medical countermeasures quickly during pandemics. Switzerland strongly believes that global cooperation is necessary to prevent future health crises and protect millions of lives worldwide.

The minister also highlighted the WHO’s active response to both hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks. She acknowledged that the organization continues to perform its responsibilities effectively even after facing a budget reduction of nearly $1 billion and the loss of approximately 1,300 staff members. Switzerland reaffirmed its support for the WHO and stressed that the organization plays a critical role in global disease monitoring, emergency response, and healthcare coordination.

Recent criticism from countries such as the United States and Argentina has created uncertainty around the WHO’s future funding and leadership. However, Switzerland continues to support the Geneva-based organization and recognizes its contribution to international health security. Swiss officials believe that strengthening the WHO will improve global preparedness for future pandemics and emerging infectious diseases.

Experts say hantavirus infections remain a serious public health concern in several regions worldwide. The disease spreads mainly through contact with infected rodents and can cause severe respiratory complications. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while encouraging countries to improve disease surveillance and emergency response systems.

Baume-Schneider Praises WHO Response to Hantavirus Management

Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has praised the World Health Organization (WHO) for its ongoing management of the hantavirus response, highlighting the importance of strong international coordination in global health emergencies.

Speaking in Geneva at the start of the World Health Assembly, Baume-Schneider emphasized that the WHO remains “irreplaceable” despite facing financial pressure and workforce reductions in recent years.

She noted that the organization is continuing to play a key role in managing current health threats, including hantavirus and Ebola, even after significant budget cuts and nearly 1,300 job reductions.

Baume-Schneider also called for a more “realistic and functional” global system for sharing information about pathogens and countermeasures during future pandemics.

A key focus of ongoing discussions is the proposed pathogen-related sharing system (PABS), which aims to regulate how countries share biological data and medical resources in the event of outbreaks.

However, member states have yet to reach a consensus on the framework, despite an agreement reached in 2025 aimed at strengthening global pandemic preparedness.

Switzerland has reiterated its support for a practical and enforceable system that ensures clear responsibilities and effective coordination between countries.

The statement comes amid increasing global debate over the role and funding of the WHO, particularly after criticisms and partial withdrawals from some countries.