The World Health Organization (WHO) made significant progress in securing sustainable funding at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where global leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the organisation’s financial future. With additional pledges from Australia, Indonesia, and Spain, the WHO has now secured US$1.7 billion for its Fourteenth General Programme of Work, surpassing 50% of the total US$7.1 billion goal. This funding is vital to supporting the WHO's global health strategy, which aims to save 40 million lives over the next four years.
The Investment Round, launched earlier this year, has not only secured substantial financial backing but has also diversified the WHO’s donor base, with 70 new pledges from member states, philanthropic organisations, and private sector donors. This includes contributions from 39 new donors, 7 of which are from low-income countries, reflecting a growing global recognition of the need to invest in global health.
The G20 Summit saw key endorsements for the WHO’s role in coordinating global health efforts. Leaders emphasised the importance of predictable, transparent, and flexible funding, ensuring the WHO can effectively deliver on its health objectives. South Africa, the incoming G20 chair for 2025, pledged to continue prioritising the sustainable financing of the WHO.
In addition to financial pledges, the WHO's focus on strengthening human capacity in health systems has garnered international support. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the importance of investing in the WHO’s new academy, aimed at building healthcare capacity, particularly in responding to future health crises like pandemics. This new funding will provide the WHO with the resources needed to respond more effectively to emerging health threats and to continue its mission of improving global health and saving lives.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, welcomed the additional support, noting that the increased flexibility in funding would allow the WHO to better plan, implement, and respond to health challenges. He thanked President Lula of Brazil for hosting the event and for the country's commitment to the WHO, and expressed gratitude to the donors for their contributions.
As the WHO moves forward with its investment round, there is optimism that further pledges will be made in the coming months. The progress made so far positions the organisation to better tackle the evolving challenges in global health, reinforcing the need for continued investment in health systems worldwide.
