Transforming global health financing: Key outcomes from WHA 2024

The 77^th World Health Assembly in Geneva, which took place from May 27-June 1, 2024, marked a historic milestone in global health diplomacy. In response to ongoing pandemic threats, climate change impacts, and economic disparities, the assembly introduced landmark decisions to fundamentally reshape global health financing.

Central to these decisions was the launch of the WHO's first-ever investment round with the goal of securing US$11.1 billion for 2025-2028, as well as the presentation of an investment case pledging an equivalent US$35 in health gains for every US$1 invested. The assembly also approved a Coordinating Financial Mechanism to ensure equitable access to resources for low- and middle-income countries, and mandated the development of a strategic plan on health economics by 2026. The initiatives underscored a unified commitment to solidarity, equity, and sustainable financing, paving the way for a healthier, fairer, and safer world.

This Donor Tracker Insight outlines the major outcomes and takeaways of the 77^th WHA for global health advocates.

Investments and strategies

The WHO's first-ever investment round

The WHO launched its first-ever investment round at the 77^th WHA. The initiative followed the recommendations of the WHO Working Group on Sustainable Financing, chaired by Germany. It seeks US$11.1 billion to fund its operations through 2025-2028. Of this, US$4 billion is expected from member countries' dues, with US$7.1 billion to be raised from governments and the private sector. The new funding approach of bundling fundraising into a four-year package aims to secure predictable, sustainable, and flexible funding for the WHO.

Germany, France, and Norway will co-host the investment round, culminating in a major pledging event in November 2024 in alignment with the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brazil. This effort marks a shift from the previous unpredictable and project-tied funding system, which experts have criticized as a hindrance to long-term planning and flexibility.

The launch event saw strong support and initial pledges. Qatar announced a US$4 million contribution, while Germany, France, and Norway reaffirmed their commitments. Singapore pledged SGD24 million (US$18 million), Ireland committed additional flexible funds, and the EC announced over EUR250 million (US$271 million) in contributions. The Institute of Philanthropy pledged US$1.2 million for health initiatives supporting migrants affected by climate change.

A compelling case for investment

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgent need for stable funding, citing severe inequalities in healthcare access and financial hardships faced by over half of the world's population. Prior to the launch of the investment round, the WHO presented an investment case to governments and potential donors, promising results equivalent to US$35 worth of health gains for each US$1 invested. The US$11.1 billion request is modest, representing just one-thousandth of the US$9 trillion spent worldwide on health annually. Ghebreyesus highlighted that the world spent US$717 billion on cigarettes in 2023, underscoring the relative value of investing in health.

The WHO's investment case promises significant returns, including authoritative health standards, access to quality-assured health products, early outbreak warnings, support for national health systems, and crisis response capabilities. Planned initiatives include creating 10,000 solar-powered health facilities, training 3.2 million health workers, and analyzing over 9 million pieces of surveillance information monthly to detect health threats.

The WHO currently operates on an annual budget of US$2.8 billion, which equates to less than US$0.35 per person worldwide. The investment round aims to bridge the funding gap, ensuring the organization can implement its strategy fully. Germany reaffirmed its commitment to the WHO's role, proposing the World Health Summit in Berlin, to take place in October 2024, as an additional platform for fundraising.

WHO's 2025-2028 strategy

WHO's strategy for the 2025–2028 period aims to save 40 million lives by focusing on health emergencies, AMR, MNCH, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, vaccination, and the impacts of climate change. The investment case detailed activities such as providing solar electrification to 10,000 health facilities, supporting 55 countries in training 3.2 million health workers, and delivering vaccines to priority countries.

Since 2019, the WHO has achieved significant results, including helping 1.2 billion people live healthier lives, providing 430 million more people with essential health services, and protecting 600 million people from health emergencies. These achievements were realized with an annual budget of US$2.8 billion, underscoring the huge potential growth possible with the proposed investment. The agency emphasized that additional funding will help the WHO make the world healthier, fairer, and safer.

Integrating health and finance

In an ambitious step toward integrating health and economic policies, the WHA mandated the WHO to develop a strategic plan on economics and financing for health by 2026. The resolution followed the recommendations of the WHO Council on the Economics of Health for All, emphasizing that healthy populations and a healthy planet are essential for sustainable development.

The initiative aims to reshape global and national economies to prioritize health and well-being, ensuring that economic structures support, rather than undermine, public health objectives. The economic strategy will focus on enhancing fiscal policies, forging multi-sectoral collaborations, and establishing sustainable financing models to build robust health systems worldwide. The overall directive aligned with the broader goals of the assembly to enhance global health security and equity, particularly in the face of ongoing global challenges.

Major amendments

Strengthening international health regulations

After two years of negotiations, the assembly approved a package of amendments to the 2005 International Health Regulations. The amendments are designed to enhance global preparedness, surveillance, and response to public health emergencies, including pandemics.

One of the four major amendments is the establishment of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism. The mechanism will support the identification and access to the financing required to equitably address the needs and priorities of low- and middle-income countries. It aims to fund the development, strengthening, and maintenance of core health capacities, as well as other pandemic emergency prevention, preparedness, and response-related needs.

The amendment also underscored a commitment to solidarity and equity, ensuring that financial resources are available to support low and middle income countries in building robust health systems. The mechanism is crucial for providing the necessary funding to tackle health emergencies effectively, promoting global health security and resilience.

Commitments and outcomes

The outcomes of WHA 2024 marked a pivotal step towards securing sustainable and equitable health financing. The initiatives emerging from the assembly aim to ensure that low- and middle-income countries have the resources they need to build resilient health systems.

By aligning health and economic strategies, the WHA has set a course for a healthier, fairer, and safer global community. The commitment shown by the member states and international donors underscores a collective resolve to address global health challenges through sustainable and innovative financial solutions. These steps promise a transformative impact on global health, ensuring preparedness and resilience for future health emergencies.