The World Health Organization (WHO) has started a new fundraising campaign called the ‘Investment Round’ to gather $7 billion. This effort is ahead of the 77th World Health Assembly, which begins on Monday at the organization’s headquarters.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, shared on social media that increasing financial commitments will add $4 billion to WHO’s $11.1 billion budget for the years 2025 to 2028.
Director-General emphasized that the world is currently dealing with many overlapping problems, including conflict, climate change, displacement, poverty, inequality, polarization, disease outbreaks, non-communicable diseases, and mental health issues.
We live in a difficult time of multiple overlapping challenges:
-conflict
-climate change
-displacement
-poverty
-inequality
-polarization
-disease outbreaks
-the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions.The @WHO Investment Round aims to… pic.twitter.com/xw84ymlwws
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) May 26, 2024
Ghebreyesus stated that the ‘Investment Round’ aims to raise $7 billion over four years to help countries tackle these challenges. He noted that the fundraising campaign is designed to make sure the voluntary contributions, which make up most of WHO’s funding, are more predictable, flexible, and sustainable.
The WHO’s new Investment Case, which explains why supporting WHO is crucial for global health and saving lives, will be introduced on May 28 during the World Health Assembly. The assembly, taking place in Geneva from May 27 to June 1, has the theme “All for Health, Health for All.”
This fundraising campaign is based on recommendations from the WHO Working Group on Sustainable Financing. The plan was approved at the 154th Meeting of the WHO Executive Board in January 2024. The funding will support WHO’s strategy, known as the 14th General Programme of Work.
At the event on Sunday, Brazil announced that during its G20 presidency, it will host high-level events, including the Leaders’ Summit in November, to support the Investment Round and encourage other countries to join the initiative.
In addition, Qatar’s Minister of Health, Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, announced a contribution of $4 million in flexible funds and plans to give more.
Dr. Al Kuwari highlighted the importance of investing in WHO, saying, “Health care is a fundamental human right and we must continue to invest in the World Health Organization to safeguard our health. Unity is the key to our success.” France, Germany, and Norway also announced they would co-host the Investment Round.
The World Health Assembly is WHO’s decision-making body. Delegates from all WHO Member States attend, focusing on a specific health agenda set by the Executive Board.
During the Assembly, WHO will launch a new global health strategy, created with input from 194 Member States and partners. This strategy aims to get the world back on track to meet the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
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