Spain & WHO: Increased Health Funding
Spain is dramatically increasing its global health role, committing €5.25 million to the World Health Association (WHO) to bolster vital initiatives. This strategic funding supports WHO’s critical programs worldwide and underscores Spain’s dedication to strengthening global health infrastructure. Moreover, Spain returns to the WHO Executive Board for the 2025-2028 term, signaling a renewed commitment that aligns with its new global health strategy. The Spanish Agency for international Growth Cooperation (AECID) is spearheading these efforts. News Directory 3 is tracking the story. Spain will also host the 4th International Conference on Financing for Advancement (FFD4) in Seville. Discover what’s next as Spain continues to prioritize health financing on a global scale.
Spain Increases Global Health Role with WHO Funding
Updated June 14, 2025
Spain is increasing its commitment to global health, pledging €5.25 million to support key World Health Association (WHO) initiatives.The agreement, signed today, reinforces Spain’s dedication to strengthening global health infrastructure.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, acknowledged Spain’s long-standing partnership. He said the flexible funding would help WHO become stronger and more independent, enabling it to deliver essential services to countries and communities.
This year marks Spain’s return to the WHO Executive Board for the 2025–2028 term, a position it hasn’t held in nearly two decades. This renewed engagement aligns with Spain’s new Global health strategy, launched May 27.
The Spanish Agency for international Growth Cooperation (AECID), lead by Antón Leis, is central to this effort, significantly increasing strategic funding for WHO activities. The €5.25 million contribution is part of a larger €60 million pledge announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in November 2024. This multi-year commitment supports critical health programs in countries including Jordan,Mali,and Sudan.
What’s next
Spain will host the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville from June 30 to July 3. The conference aims to prioritize health financing as a core development issue.A special event, co-sponsored by WHO, will advocate for bold action through the “Health financing for a safe and enduring economy: towards Seville health financing agenda for action.”