The World Health Organization (WHO) and various multilateral development banks have started a $1.5 billion project to improve primary healthcare in 15 countries.
This initiative was announced on Monday at a high-level roundtable during the UN Summit of the Future held in New York, USA.
The 15 countries involved in the first phase include: Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Maldives, Morocco, Senegal, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Zambia.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the importance of this platform, saying, “This is a crucial source of funding to strengthen healthcare in countries that need it the most.”
The initiative involves partners like the African Development Bank, European Investment Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, working together to support healthcare in underserved areas.
They pledged €10 million to kickstart the first investment plans, which will focus on essential health needs.
Uganda’s Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng supported the effort, stating, “Our health issues begin and end at the primary healthcare level.”
President of the EIB, Nadia Calviño,noted the goal of the initiative: “Supporting primary healthcare services is the foundation of strong communities.”
Through this collaboration, WHO and MDBs aim to create robust health systems capable of withstanding future pandemics and health crises. Throughout the coming years, the platform is expected to unlock vital resources for low – and middle-income countries, fostering resilience and improving health outcomes worldwide.
