Invest in the World Health Organization for a healthier, safer world for everyone.
We all value our own health and the health of those close to us. However, despite great advances in science and innovation, our health is under threat, even in the most developed countries. As health leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our people, and we must do so equitably. No one should be left behind. We understand that this is a necessary investment to help secure and build national wealth and build confidence in governments, global institutions and multilateral approaches to improving health for all. I am. One of the most important steps is to support and strengthen national health systems, as all countries have committed to by signing up to the Sustainable Development Goals.
But we know that this is no longer enough. All countries must invest in common security and protection. No one is safe until everyone is safe. This is only possible by looking beyond national borders, regionally and globally. We must strengthen health systems and health security around the world and support all countries around the world, especially the least developed countries. We have expressed this through statements and actions at the United Nations and other multilateral formats.
One of the most cost-effective and sustainable investments you can make for a healthier and safer world for everyone is investing in a technically and operationally robust World Health Organization (WHO). It is to do. Representing 194 countries, WHO has a unique scope and mandate to serve as the leadership force for global health, convening leading scientists, national decision-makers and health partners alike. But to succeed, WHO must be flexible, reliable, and efficient. That is why WHO Member States have decided to invest in the organization and support the historic first WHO investment round.
The WHO Investment Round, which will take center stage at the World Health Summit in Berlin today, provides a unique opportunity for countries to come together to support global health. Every dollar invested in WHO generates a return of $35 and can help save 40 million lives over the next four years. Full and sustainable funding for WHO will enable it to help countries build healthier, stronger and more prosperous communities.
Many governments have contributed to global health by helping to vaccinate children, fight HIV/AIDS and eradicate polio, create community health programs and build hospitals, and support research and science. However, these successes and programs are under threat as a number of simultaneous crises put tremendous pressure on national budgets.
However, in today’s hyper-connected world, disease outbreaks have pandemic potential and the economic impact of COVID-19 far outweighs the essential investments needed to prevent and respond to pandemics. and the potential for social harm. We have learned with each outbreak that such investments require a whole-of-society, whole-of-government response and commitment. At the same time, we are building a global We are looking for solidarity and agreement. , all to protect people’s lives and livelihoods.
Every unvaccinated child, every village without community health workers, and every outbreak tests our commitment to health equity. We must look beyond our narrow interests to support the most vulnerable and in doing so protect us all. We argue that one of the soundest investments in global health is in the WHO. Countries are already doing so through regular contributions. However, it is clearly understood that in times of crisis this is not enough. That’s why the WHO investment round is so important. Investing in WHO is as much a political commitment to multilateralism as it is a financial commitment to WHO. Above all, it is an investment in the health of every country and the world. Please encourage others to participate. We have no choice. we have to work together.
