At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders pledged billions to fund WHO’s core programs from 2025 to 2028. This historic move aims to save 40 million lives, tackle global health challenges, and strengthen health systems, marking a bold step toward health equity and resilience worldwide.
At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders made a historic commitment to global health, pledging billions of dollars to support the World Health Organization (WHO). This marked the culmination of WHO’s first-ever Investment Round, an ambitious initiative designed to secure sustainable funding for its core programs from 2025 to 2028. The funding aims to save at least 40 million lives globally, bolster healthcare systems, and improve health equity across nations.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, hosting the summit, emphasized the critical importance of collective action in addressing global health challenges. “Investing in WHO is not just a commitment to today’s challenges but a promise for a healthier, more equitable future for all,” he said. His call for unity was echoed by leaders from across the world, signaling a renewed focus on health as a central pillar of global development.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expressed his deep gratitude for the financial pledges, highlighting their transformative potential. He described the commitments as “a vote of confidence” in WHO’s leadership and its ability to deliver results that will positively impact millions of lives. For years, WHO has faced the challenge of unpredictable funding, with much of its resources tied to specific projects. This new approach will provide flexible, sustainable funding to address emerging health crises and strengthen health systems.
The pledged funding will support WHO’s core work, including tackling infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. It will also enable WHO to expand vaccination campaigns to protect millions from preventable diseases and strengthen emergency preparedness to handle future pandemics. In addition, it will help the organization address non-communicable diseases and mental health, which are increasingly becoming major health challenges worldwide.
These commitments come at a time when the WHO’s role has never been more critical. From coordinating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic to leading campaigns against polio and measles in vulnerable regions, WHO has proven to be an essential force in safeguarding global health. Yet, much of its core work has remained underfunded. This Investment Round aims to change that narrative by ensuring the organization has the resources needed to operate effectively, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Global leaders also acknowledged the broader implications of a well-funded WHO. Health crises do not respect borders, and the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of health, economic stability, and sustainable development. By pledging funds, nations are not just supporting WHO but also investing in their own resilience against future health emergencies. These pledges are a recognition that global health is a shared responsibility requiring collective effort and resources.
Countries such as Germany and Norway, along with philanthropic organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, were among the early contributors, signaling strong support for WHO’s initiatives. Their investments will directly impact the organization’s ability to deliver life-saving interventions, support vulnerable populations, and ensure health security on a global scale.