Health Ministers Support WHO’s Investment Round To Improve Lives Of People In The World

During a G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro that was presided over by Brazil, health ministers expressed their support for the World Health Organization‘s (WHO) Investment Round to improve people’s lives worldwide.

The ministers urged all partners and Member States to support and contribute to WHO’s first Investment Round to fund its new global health strategy to save 40 million lives and improve the lives of billions of people.

At the Leaders’ Summit, which will take place between November 18 and 19, 2024, the organization anticipates additional pledges from G20 members.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization’s General Director, stated:

“I have asked every Member State and partner to participate in the Investment Round, according to its means. So far, we have 63 pledges, worth more than one billion US dollars. Of these pledges, more than half are from first-time voluntary contributors, including many from the African, Western Pacific and South-East Asian regions. Every contribution counts. Some of the world’s poorest countries have pledged, because they see first-hand the difference that WHO makes.”

The Director-General then expressed gratitude to the partners and Member States who had already pledged including: The Wellcome Trust, Germany, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, and the European Union

The President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will serve as the chairman of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is scheduled for November 18–19, 2024.

The crucial moment when additional G20 nations and other attendees are anticipated to pledge WHO funding that is predictable and adaptable.

Brazil’s Minister of Health, Nsia Trindade, made the following remarks in relation to the upcoming Summit:

“We need a strong WHO to accomplish its mandate and we call on everyone to contribute to the financial sustainability of the WHO, including by pledging at the G20 Leaders’ Summit.”

On the other hand, Dr. Karl Lauterbach, the German Minister of Health, stated:

“A strong WHO is essential for the world. Resilient sustainable financing is essential for WHO. Financing WHO means investing in a healthier future. We call on all G20 partners to stand by their political commitments for WHO. To walk the talk and to increase their predictable and flexible financial support to WHO.”

The announcement made by Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, the Health Minister of South Africa, that the country “is dedicated to carry forward the sustainable financing journey of the World Health Organization into our presidency of the G20 in the coming year” was warmly received by the Ministers. Brazil’s baton is ours to carry forward.