Advancing global health through strategic partnerships and investments
Washington, DC, October 2, 2024 (PAHO)– At a high-level side event during 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), key partners and national stakeholders from across the Americas gathered to recognize and celebrate the region’s significant contribution towards building a sustainable and resilient World Health Organization (WHO) and highlighting the collective efforts of Member States, non-state actors, foundations, and private sector entities in advancing the global health agenda.
The event, titled "Celebrating the Americas’ Contributions to a Sustainable WHO," spotlighted the vital role that countries and actors across the region have played in supporting WHO’s mission to achieve Health for All. A range of invited partners were given the floor to showcase how sustainable partnerships, strategic collaborations, and ongoing programmatic achievements are effectively addressing pressing global health challenges.
The Event started with an introductory video by WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros A. Ghebreyesus. “The Investment Round is an opportunity for Member States and non-state actors to come together in support of global health and WHO,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Full, sustainable funding will enable WHO to better support the work of countries in the Americas to build healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous populations, in each of your countries, and as a region.”
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, opened the discussion with remarks emphasizing the region’s enduring commitment to global health. “The Member States of the Americas have consistently demonstrated leadership in advancing global health. From pandemic response efforts to combating non-communicable diseases, the Americas have contributed not only financially, but also through groundbreaking research, policy development, and technical innovation.” Dr. Barbosa said. “We know, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, that health is a major driver of sustainable development, and funding for health is not an expenditure, but a smart investment.”
Key Contributions
Ambassador Alexandre Ghisleni from the International Affairs Office at Brazil’s Ministry of Health delivered a keynote address focusing on the upcoming G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Ambassador Ghisleni further stated “this event will be one of the pillars in the mobilizing resources strategy to ensure the needed financing for the World Health Organization’s core work for the next four years (2025-2028).”
Delegates from Canada and the United States shared their countries' ongoing contributions to WHO’s global initiatives, stressing the significance of the Americas leadership in ensuring a healthier future for all.
“We need PAHO, and we need WHO for a healthier world,” Dr. Atul Gawande, Assistant Administrator for Global Health at the United States Agency for International information said. “PAHO’s contribution again and again is around being the innovator in driving the most live saving measures in public health across the life span and across the global health architecture. WHO embodies our shared values and remains vitally important to the global struggle for health and wellbeing on an equitable basis for all,” he added.
Ambassador Stuart Savage, Permanent Representative of Canada to the Organization of American States, echoed a similar sentiment, “Canada is a steadfast supporter of WHO, and its central role in the global health ecosystem. From infectious disease threats like polio and COVID-19, to advancing the health and rights of women and girls, WHO continues to be a key global partner”.
Foundations and private sector representatives also offered insights into how their organizations have supported WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14), which seeks to save an additional 40 million lives by 2028 through its Provide, Promote, and Protect health pillars. A range of partners offered their observations, including the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, the International Development Research Centre, St. Judes Children’s Hospital, MSD for Mothers, the Carter Center, CDC Foundation, John Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health, Rotary International, and Clinton Health Initiative Access.
Mr. Daniel Thornton, Director of WHO’s Coordinated Resource Mobilization, concluded the event by commending the region’s collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to WHO’s objectives.
A Sustainable Future for Global Health
The WHO Investment Round also provided a platform to promote WHO’s third investment case, "All for Health, Health for All," which calls for predictable and flexible financing to sustain the organization’s critical initiatives. This call for action aligns with the goals of GPW 14, aiming to mobilize resources from both public and private sectors.
Looking Forward
The momentum generated at this event will carry forward to the G20 Health Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where leaders will further discuss strategic investments in health and the importance of global partnerships. The outcomes of the WHO Investment Round reinforce the role of the Americas as a driving force in advancing global health through strategic leadership, financing, and innovative solutions.
