WHO urges Nations to increase funding for new Global Health initiative

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging member countries to pledge more funding for its latest global health strategy, which aims to save 40 million lives over the next four years. During a G20 health ministers meeting in Brazil, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asked all countries to join in this "Investment Round," providing financial support according to their capabilities. So far, WHO has received 63 pledges totaling over $1 billion, including from new contributors in Africa, the Western Pacific, and Southeast Asia. WHO leaders highlighted that even some of the world’s poorer nations have contributed, recognizing WHO's impact on improving health.

The upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, hosted by Brazil on November 18-19, is expected to encourage further pledges. Brazil's Health Minister Nísia Trindade emphasized the need for a strong and financially secure WHO to meet global health challenges and urged attendees to pledge funds to sustain WHO’s mission.

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Ambitious health goals: GPW14 strategy

WHO’s new strategy, the 14th General Programme of Work (GPW14), outlines ambitious goals for improving global health over four years, with a primary focus on pandemic preparedness, digital health, health equity, and health impacts from climate change. Adopted at this year’s World Health Assembly, GPW14 aims to make the world healthier and safer, with a funding target comparable to only a fraction of global defense spending. WHO is seeking a similar amount of funding over the next four years to tackle health issues across the globe. 

Dr. Ghebreyesus urged members to think of this investment as essential for global health, noting that even small contributions can make a significant difference.