14 African Nations and Global Partners Unite to Support WHO with $45 Million Investment

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024. In an unprecedented collaborative effort, 14 African nations, alongside global partners, have committed over $45 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) through its inaugural Investment Round. This three-month-old initiative is designed to secure sustainable financing for WHO, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of global health.

The pledges were made during the WHO Regional Committee for Africa meeting, where heads of state and government from across the continent emphasized the critical importance of investing in global health and bolstering WHO’s capacity. 

“I extend my gratitude to the African Region Member States for their active participation in WHO’s first Investment Round. This initiative is crucial for mobilizing the predictable and flexible resources needed to sustain our core activities over the next four years,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Securing full, sustainable funding will empower WHO to better support countries in their efforts to build healthier, more resilient, and prosperous populations.”

The event marked a historic gathering of nations and partners committed to ensuring WHO’s ability to fulfill its mandate of promoting, providing, and protecting health and well-being for all. The African countries involved include Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Global partners, including the Helmsley Charitable Trust, World Diabetes Foundation, Roche, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, African Development Bank, and the WHO Foundation, joined these nations in their commitment. Some partners have pledged to make further contributions later in the year.

“A strong, predictably funded and sustainably financed WHO is essential for our region and the world to address the multiple health threats we face,” noted Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Each pledge and partnership is vital. Together, we can achieve a future where health and well-being are universally accessible.”

The WHO Investment Round, which launched at the World Health Assembly in May 2024, will continue in the coming months with key pledging moments globally. This initiative seeks contributions that are flexible, aligned with WHO’s strategic goals as approved by its Member States, and predictable, enabling strategic decision-making at the start of the four-year budget cycle. Furthermore, it aims to diversify its donor base, ensuring resilience and long-term stability in funding.

Source: WHO Newsroom

Published: August 28, 2024

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