The G20 Health Ministers meeting, chaired by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro, witnessed significant support for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Investment Round. This initiative aims to secure sustainable financing to strengthen global health systems, save 40 million lives, and improve the lives of billions worldwide. Ministers called upon all Member States and partners to pledge their support ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for November 18-19, 2024.
During the meeting, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the commitment of 63 pledges, totaling over one billion US dollars, made by Member States and first-time contributors from regions including Africa, the Western Pacific, and South-East Asia. Dr. Tedros emphasized that every contribution, no matter the size, is valuable, especially as some of the world’s poorest countries have pledged, motivated by the impact WHO programs have on their communities. He expressed appreciation for nations and organizations like Germany, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Türkiye, the European Union, and the Wellcome Trust, which have already made significant pledges to support the WHO’s work.
[코리안투데이] G20 Health Ministers Back WHO’s Investment Round ©이지윤 기자
Key voices included Brazilian Health Minister Nísia Trindade, who underscored the importance of WHO’s financial stability to its mission, calling for further support from all G20 members. Germany’s Health Minister Dr. Karl Lauterbach added that supporting WHO’s sustainable financing is an investment in a healthier future for all. He urged G20 partners to fulfill their commitments by increasing flexible funding to WHO, reinforcing the necessity of dependable and robust financial backing for global health initiatives.
South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr. Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, announced that under its upcoming G20 presidency, South Africa will continue to drive WHO’s sustainable financing efforts, taking the lead from Brazil’s presidency this year. This commitment aims to ensure the WHO has the necessary resources to continue its essential work in pandemic preparedness, disease prevention, and health equity. With the G20 Leaders’ Summit on the horizon, expectations are high for additional pledges that will contribute to a resilient and responsive global health landscape.
The call to secure sustainable, predictable financing for WHO aligns with G20’s goals of bolstering global health infrastructure. The outcomes of this Investment Round will pave the way for improved resilience and equitable access to healthcare, ensuring WHO is well-equipped to respond to future health crises and safeguard public health globally.
