At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, global leaders pledged over $170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support its Fourteenth General Programme of Work. This strategic plan aims to save an additional 40 million lives globally over the next four years.
The pledges came from a mix of governments and philanthropic organizations, highlighting strong international support for WHO’s mission amid growing global health challenges.
In addition to these voluntary pledges, WHO member states approved a $90 million annual increase in assessed contributions, marking significant progress towards the organization’s goal of sustainable financing. This move demonstrates a firm commitment to multilateral cooperation and reinforces the financial stability needed for WHO to carry out its life-saving initiatives effectively.
Contributors to the Investment Round include countries such as China, Qatar, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as philanthropic partners like the ELMA Philanthropies, Fondation Botnar, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation also pledged an extra $13 million with promises of further support. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude for the renewed global solidarity, noting that these contributions are vital for continuing and expanding WHO’s critical work in global health.
