By Bunmi Yekini
The World Health Organization (WHO) received a significant financial boost on Monday, as nations, foundations, and philanthropic partners pledged a combined total of nearly $1 billion in new and reaffirmed commitments at the WHO Investment Round Signature Event, held during the World Health Summit. These funds will boost WHO’s efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide and support its Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW) for 2025-2028.
Germany, France, and Norway co-hosted the event, where high-level support for WHO’s mission was demonstrated. A total of $700 million in new funding commitments was announced, alongside $300 million in reaffirmed commitments from countries and organizations. The pledges aim to ensure WHO has the predictable and flexible funding it needs to partner with countries in achieving global health goals.
Germany’s Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, announced his country’s commitment of nearly $400 million over the next four years, which includes $260 million in new voluntary contributions. “The WHO’s work benefits us all,” Chancellor Scholz stated. “What it needs for this work is sustainable financing that gives it the certainty to plan ahead and the flexibility to react.”
Other notable pledges came from organizations like the Wellcome Trust, which committed $50 million, and philanthropic foundations such as Resolve to Save Lives and the World Diabetes Foundation, each contributing $10 million. Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, announced a $50 million commitment, with additional contributions from corporate partners like Boehringer Ingelheim and Novo Nordisk.
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Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, expressed deep gratitude to all donors and partners, recognizing the challenges of securing funding in a complex global landscape. “We know that we are making this ask at a time of competing priorities and limited resources. That’s why I have asked every Member State and every partner to step up. Every contribution counts,” Dr. Tedros said in his closing remarks.
With support from multiple sectors, including European governments, global health organizations, and private foundations, this event represents a major milestone in the WHO’s first-ever Investment Round. The initiative aims to secure resilient and flexible funding as part of WHO’s broader strategy to address global health inequities.
The World Health Summit concluded with an air of optimism, with attention now shifting to next month’s G20 Summit, where leaders, including Brazilian President Lula da Silva, are expected to pledge additional resources to further advance WHO’s goals.
The night ended on a unifying note with a musical performance by Quire, reflecting the collective determination to ensure a fully funded WHO, ready to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges.