By Omar Bah
Fourteen African countries, including The Gambia and critical partners, have pledged over $45 million to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) inaugural Investment Round. This initiative aims to secure sustainable financing for the health sector.
The announcement was made on WHO’s website following the WHO Regional Committee meeting for Africa, which was attended by member states. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude to African Region member states for their support during the event. He emphasized that securing total and sustainable funding would enable WHO to better assist countries in building healthier, more resilient, and prosperous populations.
The countries that made commitments include The Gambia, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, and Tanzania. The specific amount pledged by The Gambia needs to be clarified. Additionally, partners such as the Helmsley Charitable Trust, World Diabetes Foundation, Roche, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also pledged their support.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the importance of a vital, predictable, and sustainably financed WHO in addressing multiple health threats and promoting health and well-being for all. Furthermore, he mentioned that the WHO Investment Round will continue in the coming months, with crucial pledging moments worldwide. This will ultimately enable WHO to tackle emergencies better, reduce the burden of diseases, and improve health and well-being, especially for the most vulnerable.
