The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission yesterday agreed on reinforcing a decade-long collaboration to speed up the achievement of common well being protection. The letter of intent foresees an extra contribution from the European Union (EU) of €125 million for the continuation of WHO’s help to its Member States over the following 5 years, carried out by way of the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHC Partnership). This will give attention to strengthening well being methods to make them extra resilient and aware of pure, local weather or human-made disasters.

“Health is a fundamental human right, and universal health coverage is critical for achieving that right. The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating evidence that Universal Health Coverage is the foundation to resilience and sustainable development for all. That’s true for individuals and families confronting a life-threatening illness, and it’s true for countries – and the whole world – in the face of epidemics and pandemics. I am grateful to the European Union for its strong leadership and longstanding commitment to helping the world achieve Universal Health Coverage,” stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

The partnership with WHO is a key deliverable of the brand new EU Global Health Strategy adopted by the European Commission yesterday. Strengthening well being methods and advancing common well being protection worldwide is among the three key priorities of the Strategy.

“I am delighted to sign today with Dr Tedros a new contribution of €125 million EU contribution for the period 2023–2027 to our Universal Health Coverage Partnership with the World Health Organization. As COVID-19 dramatically highlighted, resilient health systems and equitable access to health care are key to ensuring individual well-being and identifying and managing public health threats effectively,” stated Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.

Investing in well being for all: A decade of partnership

The UHC Partnership was established by WHO in 2011 with assist from the European Commission to assist catalyze motion at nation degree to make well being for all a actuality. From supporting seven international locations in its inception section, the initiative has seen regular growth, with the European Commission remaining as a number one contributor. With consolidated funding from eight donors, 130 well being coverage advisors have to this point been deployed throughout 120 WHO nation places of work masking greater than 4 billion folks. Health coverage advisors play a vital function in bringing WHO’s technical experience in fostering coverage dialogue, nationwide well being planning, well being safety, addressing noncommunicable ailments and extra. The Partnership additionally offers funding for catalytic initiatives and helps interact companions to allow efficient growth cooperation.

Today, the UHC Partnership is thought to be considered one of WHO’s largest platforms for worldwide cooperation on Universal Health Coverage and first well being care. As a supply of largely versatile funding, it helps the Organization in delivering help that’s aware of evolving priorities, together with within the context of well being emergencies comparable to illness outbreaks and battle.