By Abdullahi Lukman
World leaders have pledged $170 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, marking a significant boost to global health efforts.
The funds are to support WHO’s Investment Round (IR), a key initiative designed to tackle growing global health challenges.
The contributions, announced on May 21, 2025, are to aid WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work, a global health strategy projected to save 40 million lives over the next four years.
Additionally, WHO member states approved a $90 million increase in Assessed Contributions, ensuring more sustainable financing for the organisation.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, “In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us preserve and expand our life-saving work.
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They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”
The pledges came from both governments and philanthropic organisations, with several first-time donors participating in the event.
Notable contributions included $13 million from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and $57 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
A strong focus was also placed on flexible contributions, which are considered vital for maintaining WHO’s responsiveness to national health needs.
Dr. Ghebreyesus also highlighted the success of the “One World Movement,” where nearly 8,000 individual supporters raised close to $600,000.
Key pledges include $8 million from Angola, $6 million from Qatar, and $40 million from Switzerland. Other contributors include Sweden, Tanzania, and Cambodia, among others.
This funding marks a pivotal moment in WHO’s efforts to secure more sustainable and diversified financing, ensuring better health outcomes globally under the mission of ‘One World for Health.’
