The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that 14 African countries and several partners have pledged more than $45 million to the WHO Investment Round.

WHO said on Tuesday in a statement that the initiative, inaugurated three months ago, aimed to generate sustainable financing for the organisation at the centre of global health architecture.

According to a WHO statement, the commitments were made during the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, where heads of state and government underscored the importance of investing in global health and ensuring a strong WHO.

WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus thanked African Region member states for supporting the organisation’s first Investment Round.

“The WHO Investment Round aims to mobilise predictable and flexible resources needed for the organisation’s core work over the next four years. The funds will support WHO’s efforts to promote, provide, and protect health and well-being for all, particularly in the African region.

“The 14 African countries that pledged support to the WHO Investment Round demonstrated their commitment to strengthening global health architecture and ensuring a strong WHO.

“Their contributions will help address various health challenges, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health emergencies, ultimately advancing key objectives to promote, provide, and protect health and well-being for all,” said Mr Ghebreyesus.

The countries that pledged support include Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Partners such as the Helmsley Charitable Trust, World Diabetes Foundation, Roche, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also made commitments.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, emphasised that every pledge and partnership counts and that a strong, predictable, and sustainably financed WHO was essential for meeting global health threats.

“The investments will continue in the coming months, featuring key pledging moments around the world,” she said.

(NAN)