Global leaders and philanthropic organisations have pledged more than $170 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support its response to growing global health challenges.
The announcement was made during a high-level pledging event at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) held in Geneva.
The pledges were made as part of WHO’s Investment Round (IR), a fundraising initiative designed to mobilise voluntary contributions for WHO’s strategic priorities.
The funds will go toward implementing the Fourteenth General Programme of Work, the organization’s roadmap for global health efforts from 2025 to 2028.
According to WHO, the strategy aims to save an additional 40 million lives over the next four years.
In addition to the voluntary pledges, WHO Member States approved a US$ 90 million increase in Assessed Contributions, the mandatory payments made by countries to support the organisation’s core work.
This marks a significant step toward the WHO’s goal of achieving more predictable and sustainable financing.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the pledges, describing them as a strong endorsement of WHO’s role in global health.
“In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us preserve and extend our life-saving work,” he said. “They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”
Several governments and philanthropic foundations made significant contributions during the pledging event. Leading the list was the Novo Nordisk Foundation of Denmark with a pledge of US$ 57 million, followed by Switzerland with US$ 40 million, and Sweden with US$ 13.5 million.
The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) committed US$ 13 million and pledged to increase its funding further. Laerdal Global Health contributed US$ 12.5 million, while Qatar pledged US$ 6 million, underscoring broad international support for WHO’s mission.
WHO noted that eight donors provided flexible funding, which allows the organisation to allocate resources where they are most urgently needed. Such contributions are considered the most valuable type of support.
The pledging event, moderated by Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK, highlighted WHO’s expanding donor base, with contributions from both long-time supporters and first-time donors. Angola pledged US$ 8 million, Cambodia contributed US$ 400,000, and Tanzania committed an additional US$ 500,000 on top of a previous pledge of the same amount. Gabon and Mongolia offered US$ 150,000 and US$ 100,000 respectively, while China also made a pledge, with the exact amount yet to be confirmed.
Philanthropic institutions also played a key role in the pledging event, with notable contributions coming from ELMA Philanthropies, which donated US$ 2 million, Fondation Botnar with a pledge of US$ 9.6 million, and the Nippon Foundation of Japan, which committed US$ 9.2 million to support WHO’s global health initiatives.
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WHO also highlighted the role of ordinary citizens in its fundraising efforts. Through the One World Movement, nearly 8,000 people worldwide have signed on as “Member Citizens,” contributing a combined total of almost US$ 600,000, many every month. This initiative reflects growing public support for global health and the WHO’s mission.
Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of diversified and flexible funding to help the WHO remain responsive to health emergencies and aligned with national health priorities. The pledging event was described as a turning point in WHO’s efforts to build a more sustainable, country-focused, and agile organisation.
“As the world faces complex and interconnected health threats, this show of support reaffirms our shared commitment to health as a human right,” Dr. Tedros said in closing. “Together, we can build a healthier, safer, and more equitable future.”
The WHO Investment Round remains open, with expectations for further pledges in the months ahead. The organisation continues to encourage governments, foundations, and individuals to contribute to its vision of “One World for Health.”