The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to universal health coverage by launching Phase V (2025-2028) of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Partnership. This initiative serves as WHO’s primary platform for enhancing health systems and promoting primary health care. The announcement occurred at the 80^th UN General Assembly in New York City,with European Commissioner for International Partnerships,Jozef Síkela,and WHO Director-General,Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus,present.

The EU is providing €40 million in financial support, with an additional contribution planned for 2027. This investment will enable the EU and WHO to concentrate on building health systems that are resilient, equitable, and centered on people. These systems are crucial for achieving the health-related Lasting Development Goals (sdgs). The EU has been a leading donor to the UHC Partnership since its beginning, which allows WHO to offer sustained technical support within countries, aligning with their specific health priorities.

Since 2011, the WHO UHC Partnership has aided health ministries in over 115 countries in implementing inclusive reforms. These reforms have improved governance, service delivery, health financing, and responses to health emergencies. The EU and WHO have facilitated notable improvements in service coverage and health system performance, impacting over 3 billion people globally.

The new EU funding will enable WHO to focus on countries with the greatest need, addressing critical gaps in their health systems. The partnership will be instrumental in promoting the Lusaka Agenda and boosting domestic resource mobilization. It will also assist countries in implementing a new vision for preventing and controlling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and overall well-being, which will be discussed at the High-Level Meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on September 25.

Commissioner for International partnerships Jozef Síkela stated: “Strong health systems are the cornerstone of sustainable development, resilience, and global stability. This is why investing in their strengthening is a central pillar of the EU’s global Gateway strategy. Working together with WHO to achieve universal health coverage, and supporting local manufacturing, regulatory frameworks and skills, the EU affirms its commitment to ensuring that all people can access quality health services, when and where they need them, without facing financial hardship.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noted: “Achieving health for all requires partnership among all, and the renewed collaboration between the European Union and WHO to advance universal health coverage will help millions of people around the world access the quality health services they need.Together, WHO and the EU are translating global health commitments for strong health systems and universal health coverage into national action – ensuring no one is left behind.”

Phase V is particularly vital as countries grapple with climate change, economic instability, and reduced development assistance. The EU’s commitment underscores its role as a global health leader and partner in promoting UHC through primary health care.

key Priorities for Phase V

The main objectives for Phase V include:

• Strengthening health financing, governance, reforms, and policy dialog for self-reliant health systems.
• Strategic planning, evidence-informed priority setting, and health systems assessment to improve health sector performance.
• Ensuring integrated, high quality, affordable service delivery, including sexual and reproductive health and noncommunicable disease services, through a PHC approach.
• Promoting equity, gender equality, and climate resilience.

This initiative aligns with the EU Global Health Strategy and WHO’s 14th General Program of Work (GPW14), reflecting a shared vision of health for all. The EU is dedicated to helping countries build health systems that are resilient, equitable, and sustainable.