The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured close to US$ 1 billion in both new and reaffirmed funding commitments as part of its first-ever global Investment Round, showcasing the critical global support for WHO’s mission to advance public health worldwide. During the World Health Summit in Berlin, hosted by Germany, France, and Norway, US$ 700 million in new funding commitments were announced by European countries, global health foundations, and private sector partners. An additional US$ 300 million came from reaffirmed commitments, marking a significant milestone for the WHO’s ongoing efforts to enhance global health security and equity.

The Strategic Vision of WHO’s Investment Round

The WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), spanning 2025–2028, serves as the backbone of these funding efforts. The GPW14 outlines strategic priorities that address health challenges from pandemics and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to healthcare inequities. Approved by WHO’s 194 Member States in May 2024 at the World Health Assembly, this ambitious strategy seeks to bolster universal health coverage, respond more rapidly to global health emergencies, and tackle the root causes of health disparities.

WHO’s Investment Round, launched simultaneously with the GPW14, aims to secure predictable, flexible, and sustainable funding to ensure that WHO has the resources necessary to partner effectively with governments and organizations in implementing these goals. This innovative funding model allows the organization to tackle long-term global health objectives while maintaining the flexibility to respond swiftly to emerging crises, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

High-Level Commitments and Global Leadership

The Berlin event was a significant moment for WHO, attended by key international leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Prime Ministers of Norway, Estonia, and Montenegro, as well as influential figures from the philanthropic sector like Bill Gates, Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of Wellcome Trust. These high-profile attendees underscored the global consensus on the importance of adequately funding WHO to address today’s health challenges.

Chancellor Scholz announced Germany’s commitment of nearly US$ 400 million to WHO over the next four years, with over US$ 260 million in new voluntary funding. Scholz remarked, “The WHO’s work benefits us all. What it needs for this work is sustainable financing that gives it the certainty to plan ahead and the flexibility to react.” Germany’s robust contribution is seen as pivotal for WHO’s efforts to strengthen global health systems and accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Other notable contributions included Wellcome Trust’s pledge of US$ 50 million and reaffirmed support from the Gates Foundation, which has long been a key player in global health financing. The event also saw commitments from organizations like Resolve to Save Lives, the World Diabetes Foundation, and Foundation S, each contributing US$ 10 million to the cause. WHO Foundation CEO Anil Soni announced a total commitment of US$ 50 million from the Foundation, including a US$ 57 million pledge from pharmaceutical partners such as Sanofi.

Strengthening Health Systems Across Africa and Beyond

African nations were well-represented at the event, with 16 African governments already making significant pledges to WHO’s Investment Round. The Minister of Health for Mauritania, speaking on behalf of the African Union, emphasized the continent’s commitment to supporting WHO in achieving its health targets. For African countries, this funding is critical to combatting infectious diseases, improving maternal and child health, and expanding access to essential medicines.

The focus on Africa aligns with WHO’s ongoing work in the region, including initiatives to eradicate polio, tackle malaria, and respond to public health emergencies such as the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa. WHO’s work in Africa also includes supporting governments in building resilient health systems that can withstand future pandemics, which is particularly relevant given the continent’s vulnerability to health crises.

A Call for Global Solidarity

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, a key figure in global health diplomacy, expressed his gratitude to the donors and partners at the event. “We know that we are making this ask at a time of competing priorities and limited resources. That’s why I have asked every Member State and every partner to step up. Every contribution counts,” he said. Dr. Tedros’s call to action reflects the growing pressure on global health organizations to secure funding amidst geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and climate change, all of which exacerbate global health disparities.

WHO’s leadership under Dr. Tedros has been instrumental in navigating these challenges. During his tenure, WHO has launched several transformative health initiatives, including the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and COVAX, aimed at ensuring equitable access to vaccines. His advocacy for increased funding has been particularly timely, as WHO faced critical funding gaps during the pandemic. The new commitments will bolster WHO’s ability to respond to future health emergencies more effectively, while also addressing chronic health issues like NCDs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Looking Ahead: G20 Summit as the Next Milestone

The Berlin event is just one step in WHO’s broader engagement process. The culmination of this effort is expected at the upcoming G20 leaders’ Summit in Brazil, chaired by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The G20 Summit will provide another platform for world leaders to pledge additional resources, furthering WHO’s efforts to improve health outcomes globally.

This Summit comes at a critical time for WHO, as it continues to advocate for global health equity and the integration of health into broader economic agendas. Health is increasingly recognized as a prerequisite for economic stability, and WHO’s investment in health systems is viewed as a strategy for preventing future disruptions to global economies caused by pandemics or other health crises.

WHO’s Role in Shaping the Future of Global Health

The commitments announced in Berlin are a testament to WHO’s central role in shaping the future of global health. WHO has been instrumental in coordinating international health responses, setting global health standards, and driving innovations in healthcare delivery, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As the UN agency for health, WHO’s work spans over 150 countries, from responding to acute health emergencies to addressing the root causes of poor health, such as poverty, environmental degradation, and lack of access to healthcare.

Moving forward, WHO’s ability to fulfill its mandate will depend heavily on sustained and flexible funding. The commitments made at the World Health Summit and anticipated at the G20 are crucial steps toward ensuring that WHO remains equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges—from pandemics to chronic diseases and health inequities.

A Moment of Unity

The event in Berlin concluded on a symbolic note with a musical performance by Quire, celebrating the unity and shared determination of the global community to support WHO’s vision of a healthier, more equitable world. The gathering was a clear signal that, despite the complex challenges facing global health, there is a renewed commitment to collaboration, solidarity, and shared responsibility in advancing health for all.

As the world continues to face health emergencies, both predictable and unexpected, WHO’s success in mobilizing resources will play a critical role in determining the future of global health. With the support of governments, foundations, and the private sector, WHO is poised to lead the world in tackling health challenges head-on, ensuring that no one is left behind.

About WHO

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. WHO connects nations, partners, and people across over 150 locations worldwide, leading responses to health emergencies, preventing disease, and expanding access to essential healthcare. WHO’s mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.

Ignite Your Future with Serrari Group! 🚀

Ready to take your career to the next level? Join our dynamic courses: ACCA, HESI A2, and ATI TEAS 7! 🌟 Dive into a world of opportunities and empower yourself for success. Explore more at Serrari Ed and start your exciting journey today! ✨

Photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

15th October, 2024