Global leaders have pledged an additional $170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) during a high-level event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
The contributions support the WHO's ongoing Investment Round, targeting rising global health challenges. WHO member states approved an increase in Assessed Contributions, providing an extra $90 million annually for sustainable financing.
The Investment Round aims to fund WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work, a strategy projected to save 40 million lives over four years. The pledges include significant contributions from governments and philanthropic partners.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the funds' role in expanding life-saving work. He noted the event's success in broadening WHO’s donor base with new voluntary funding.
Notable contributions include:
- Angola: $8 million
- Cambodia: $400,000
- Gabon: $150,000
- Mongolia: $100,000
- Qatar: $6 million
- Sweden: $13.5 million
- Switzerland: $40 million
- Tanzania: $500,000
Philanthropic contributions include:
- Children’s Investment Fund Foundation: $13 million
- ELMA Philanthropies: $2 million
- Foundation Botnar: $9.6 million
- Laerdal Global Health: $12.5 million
- Nippon Foundation: $9.2 million
- Novo Nordisk Foundation: $57 million
The event, held on Wednesday, underscored the importance of flexible, diversified financing to keep the WHO aligned with national health priorities. Ghebreyesus highlighted the impact of individual giving through the One World Movement, with nearly 8,000 contributors.
“This event marks a pivotal moment in WHO’s journey toward more sustainable funding,” Ghebreyesus said. “Each contribution brings us closer to achieving better health for all, united under the mission of ‘One World for Health.’”
