World Leaders Pledge Over US$ 170 Million to WHO at High-Level Assembly in Geneva.
Geneva:
In a powerful demonstration of global solidarity, world leaders and philanthropic partners pledged over US$ 170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) during a high-level event held at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva. The funds are part of WHO’s Investment Round (IR), aimed at supporting the organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), which aspires to save 40 million lives between 2025 and 2028.
In addition to the voluntary pledges, Member States earlier approved a US$ 90 million annual increase in Assessed Contributions—mandatory dues from countries—marking a pivotal move toward WHO’s long-term goal of sustainable and predictable financing.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expressed deep gratitude for the commitments. “In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us preserve and extend our life-saving work,” he said. “They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”
Key Contributions and Donor Highlights
The pledging event, moderated by Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK, drew contributions from both long-standing supporters and first-time donors. Notable pledges include:
- Switzerland: US$ 80 million
- Novo Nordisk Foundation (Denmark): US$ 57 million
- Sweden: US$ 13.5 million
- Laerdal Global Health (with WHO Foundation): US$ 12.5 million
- Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF): US$ 13 million, with a promise of additional support
- Nippon Foundation (Japan): US$ 9.2 million
- Angola: US$ 8 million
- Qatar: US$ 6 million
- Foundation Botnar: US$ 9.6 million
- ELMA Vaccines and Immunization Foundation: US$ 2 million
- Tanzania: US$ 500,000 in addition to a previous US$ 500,000
- Cambodia, Gabon, Mongolia: Combined total of US$ 650,000
- China: Contribution pledged; amount to be confirmed
Eight donors provided flexible funding—considered the most valuable as it allows WHO to allocate resources where they are most urgently needed. Four contributors were first-time donors, expanding WHO’s donor base and reinforcing the spirit of international cooperation.
Citizens Join the Movement
The WHO also celebrated growing support from individuals worldwide. Through the “One World Movement,” nearly 8,000 people have signed up as “Member Citizens,” contributing close to US$ 600,000—many through monthly donations. This grassroots involvement was lauded as a meaningful expression of global citizenship and unity.
A Strategic Shift Toward Sustainable Financing
The pledging event reinforced calls for a more agile, country-focused WHO that is better aligned with national health priorities. Leaders emphasized the critical role of diversified, flexible funding in ensuring WHO’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging health threats while continuing its core work in disease prevention, preparedness, and health system strengthening.
As the Investment Round continues, this event marked a turning point in WHO’s financing strategy. It reflects the international community’s shared vision for a healthier, safer future and its trust in WHO’s leadership at the heart of global health governance.
With these contributions, the world takes a united step forward under the banner of “One World for Health.”
