/wha78-pledging-event.tmb-1200v.jpg?sfvrsn=b3adb54e_6)
World Leaders Pledge $210 Million to WHO for Global Health Initiatives
Table of Contents
At the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva, global leaders committed over $210 million to the world Health Institution, reinforcing multilateral cooperation to address pressing global health challenges.
The contributions were made during a high-level pledging event at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in GENEVA, supporting the WHO’s Investment Round (IR). Member states also approved an increase in Assessed Contributions, adding $90 million annually to bolster WHO’s sustainable financing.
The investment Round aims to fund the WHO’s strategy for global health, specifically the Fourteenth general Programme of Work, which has the potential to save 40 million lives over the next four years. The pledges reflect meaningful support from both governments and philanthropic organizations.
“I am grateful to every Member State and partner that has pledged towards the investment round. In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”
The pledging event saw participation from both long-standing allies and new contributors, expanding the WHO’s donor base. Mr. Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK, moderated the event, which included pledges from Angola, Cambodia, China, Gabon, Mongolia, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, The ELMA Vaccines and Immunization Foundation (with the WHO Foundation), Fondation Botnar, Laerdal Global Health (with the WHO Foundation), the Nippon Foundation, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation announced an additional $13 million and committed to further funding increases.
Investment Round Details
“They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”
The announced $210 million will support the WHO’s base budget from 2025 to 2028. Eight donors included flexible contributions, considered the moast valuable type of funding, and four were first-time donors.
Individual giving has also contributed to WHO’s fundraising efforts. through the One World Movement, nearly 8,000 individuals worldwide have become ‘Member Citizens,’ donating almost $600,000, many on a monthly basis, demonstrating global solidarity.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for sustained investment and the strategic importance of flexible and diversified financing to ensure the WHO remains responsive, country-focused, and aligned with national health priorities. The event marked a crucial step in the WHO’s pursuit of more sustainable funding.
The contributions from each donor are detailed below:
| Contributor | Additional amount for WHO Investment Round |
| Angola | US$ 8 million |
| Cambodia | US$ 400 000 |
| China | Contribution to Investment Round to be confirmed. |
| Gabon | US$ 150 000 |
| Mongolia | US$ 100 000 |
| Qatar | US$ 6 million |
| Sweden | €12 million = US$ 13.5 million |
| Switzerland | Sw.fr. 66 million = US$ 80 million |
| Tanzania | US$ 500 000 (in addition to US$ 500 000 already announced) |
| CIFF | US$ 13 million and commitment to further increase |
| The ELMA Vaccines and Immunization Foundation (with the WHO Foundation) | US$ 2 million |
| Foundation Botnar | Sw.fr. 8 million = US$ 9.6 million |
| Laerdal Global Health (with the WHO Foundation) | US$ 12.5 million |
| Nippon Foundation, Mr. Sasakawa, (Chairman) | US$ 9.2 million |
| Novo Nordisk Foundation | DKK 380 million = US$ 57 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the WHO Investment Round?
- The WHO Investment Round is a fundraising initiative to support the WHO’s base budget and global health strategy from 2025-2028.
- What is the Fourteenth General Programme of Work?
- The Fourteenth General Programme of Work is the WHO’s strategy for global health,aiming to save an additional 40 million lives over the next four years.
- how does flexible funding benefit the WHO?
- Flexible funding allows the WHO to allocate resources were they are most needed, ensuring responsiveness to emerging health challenges and alignment with national health priorities.
Sources
