By Huldah Shado
World leaders have pledged a total of 170 million dollars to the World Health Organisation during a high-level pledging event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, signaling a unified front in tackling global health challenges.
The investment is aimed at funding WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work, which targets saving an additional 40 million lives by 2028.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude to all contributors.
“The funds will help preserve and expand WHO’s life-saving work, particularly in a challenging climate for global health,” he said.
Ghebreyesus further stated, “The contributions demonstrate the effectiveness of multilateralism, with both long-standing allies and new contributors stepping up to support the organization.”
Among the notable contributions were: Switzerland with 40 million dollars, Sweden with 13.5 million, Qatar with 6 million, Angola with 8 million, and philanthropic giants like the Novo Nordisk Foundation with 57 million, CIFF with 13 million, and Laerdal Global Health with 12.5 million.
Eight donors made flexible contributions, regarded as the most effective type of funding, while four were first-time donors.
Ghebreyesus also hailed nearly 8,000 private donors who joined the One World Movement, contributing close to 600,000 dollars.
Speakers at the event underscored the urgent need for sustained and adaptable financing to help WHO remain country-focused and responsive to national health needs.
