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. 16/10/2024 4:27 PM
During a recent event in Berlin, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen global health systems, having received $700 million in new funding pledges for its upcoming 2025-2028 budget. This announcement comes on top of the $300 million already committed by the European Union and the African Union.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of these investments, stating that robust health systems are vital not just for public health but also for the stability of societies and economies as a whole. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of how health issues can extend far beyond healthcare systems, disrupting economies and daily life around the globe.
Among the notable contributors, Germany has pledged at least 360 million euros (approximately $392 million), positioning itself as one of the largest donors alongside the United States. The WHO is hopeful that more countries will rise to the occasion to help share the financial responsibility for its initiatives more equitably.
Historically, the WHO has depended heavily on a small group of major donors for its funding. In response to this challenge, the organization committed two years ago to reform its funding model. By the 2030-2031 budget cycle, the WHO aims to ensure that 50% of its budget is derived from mandatory fees paid by its member countries. Currently, only 16% of the budget is generated from these obligatory fees, with the remainder coming from voluntary donations.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for more nations to actively support the WHO. He pointed out that even modest contributions can have a significant impact, helping to secure the long-term success of global health programs.
Founded in 1948 in Geneva, the World Health Organization is one of the largest international organizations, comprising 194 member countries. Its emblem, featuring the rod of Asclepius, symbolizes healing and health. The WHO leads global health initiatives and responds to health crises. Noteworthy initiatives include the Global Vaccine Action Plan launched in 2013 and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a pivotal treaty aimed at reducing tobacco use. The organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and continues to focus on mental health and nutrition issues worldwide.
