WHO, partners offer $1.5b to world vulnerable communities

The World Health Organisation (WHO), in partnership with several multilateral development banks (MDBs), has introduced a $1.5 billion platform aimed at enhancing primary healthcare services in 15 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

WHO and its partners formally introduced the initiative, aimed at strengthening healthcare systems against pandemics and climate challenges, during a high-level roundtable at the UN Summit of the Future in New York. New funding agreements were secured, and the initial investment plans were outlined during the summit.

The African Development Bank (AfDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Islamic Development Bank (IDB) were present, alongside WHO and officials from Djibouti, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The Asian Development Bank expressed its intent to join the initiative.

The EIB and WHO committed €10 million to kickstart the platform, with the AfDB and IDB expected to finalise similar contributions soon. The platform will provide concessional loans and grants to improve healthcare services in vulnerable communities.

The first phase involves developing investment plans for 15 countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Jordan, Maldives, Morocco, Senegal, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Zambia. These plans are expected to constitute a significant part of the $1.5 billion effort.

Notably, the platform, announced a year ago at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris, focuses on primary healthcare strategies and investment opportunities tailored to national needs.

This initiative builds on previous successful collaborations during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to address significant health funding gaps and prepare for future health emergencies.

Attribution: European Investment Bank

Subediting: M. S. Salama