WHO Funding: $210M+ Pledged at 2025 Assembly
World leaders committed over $210 million to the WHO investment Round at the 2025 World Health Assembly, bolstering the organization’s global health strategy. This funding, alongside an additional $90 million from increased assessed contributions, will help the WHO save lives and address critical health challenges worldwide. The initiative underscores the power of collaborative efforts and enduring financing for global health initiatives. These flexible contributions ensure the WHO remains responsive and agile, adapting to evolving needs and prioritizing country-specific health goals. News Directory 3 is following the story. Discover what impact these investments will have on future global health efforts.
WHO Investment Round Secures $210M for Global Health Initiatives
Updated May 28, 2025
The world Health Association (WHO) received pledges of at least $210 million from global leaders during a high-level event at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. The contributions aim to support the WHO’s Investment Round (IR) and address pressing global health challenges. This commitment underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation in achieving global health goals.
In addition to the pledges, member states approved an increase in assessed contributions, providing an extra $90 million annually. This move marks a significant step toward sustainable financing for the WHO and its critical global health initiatives.
The Investment Round is designed to fund WHO’s strategy for global health,specifically the Fourteenth General Program of Work. This program aims to save an additional 40 million lives over the next four years.The pledged funds represent substantial support from both governments and philanthropic organizations.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude for the pledges. ”In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work,” Tedros said. “They show that multilateralism is alive and well.”
The pledging event saw contributions from both established allies and new donors, expanding WHO’s funding base. Moazzam Malik, CEO of Save the Children UK, moderated the event, which featured pledges from various countries and organizations.
Flexible contributions to WHO were included by eight of the donors, which is the most valuable type of funding.four of the donors were first-time contributors, broadening the base of support for the organization’s work in global health.
Individual giving has also played a role in WHO’s fundraising efforts. The One World Movement has garnered nearly 8,000 ”member Citizens” who have contributed almost $600,000 in donations, demonstrating global solidarity.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for continued investment and the strategic importance of flexible and diversified financing. This approach ensures that WHO remains responsive, country-focused, and aligned with national health priorities as it evolves into a more agile institution.
| Contributor | additional Amount |
|---|---|
| Angola | $8 million |
| Cambodia | $400,000 |
| China | To be confirmed |
| Gabon | $150,000 |
| Mongolia | $100,000 |
| Qatar | $6 million |
| Sweden | $13.5 million (€12 million) |
| Switzerland | $80 million (Sw.fr. 66 million) |
| Tanzania | $500,000 (in addition to $500,000 already announced) |
| CIFF | $13 million and commitment to further increase |
| The ELMA Vaccines and Immunization Foundation | $2 million |
| Fondation Botnar | $9.6 million (Sw.fr. 8 million) |
| Laerdal Global Health | $12.5 million |
| Nippon Foundation | $9.2 million |
| novo Nordisk Foundation | $57 million (DKK 380 million) |
What’s next
as the Investment Round continues, the WHO aims to build on this momentum to secure further commitments. These funds are crucial for supporting the organization’s ongoing efforts to improve global health and respond to emerging health crises.