India, one of the largest contributors to the World Health Organization (WHO), has pledged over $300 million towards WHO’s core program of work for the period between 2025 and 2028. This positions India as the biggest contributor to WHO in Southeast Asia, significantly supporting the organization’s efforts in global health. The most substantial portion of the pledge, $250 million, will be allocated for the Centre of Excellence for Traditional Medicine, furthering India’s commitment to integrating traditional healthcare systems into global health frameworks.

Currently, WHO has secured pledges of more than $2.2 billion towards closing the $7.1 billion funding gap. The financial backing from member countries, including India, is critical for WHO to carry out its ambitious agenda over the next four years. Among its primary goals is the aim to save 40 million lives through enhanced healthcare delivery systems. This includes initiatives such as expanding vaccine distribution to priority countries, supporting 55 nations in training and employing 3.2 million healthcare workers, and ensuring the pre-qualification of 400 health products annually.

India’s sizable contribution includes other significant investments beyond traditional medicine. Approximately $38 million is dedicated to building new premises for WHO’s regional office, $10 million for advancing digital health technologies, and $4.6 million for thematic funding, which targets specific health-related programs. These investments are part of WHO’s core work, which seeks to uphold its mandate of promoting health and well-being for vulnerable populations globally.

In a statement, WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Office emphasized that the funds being pledged are necessary to execute its mandate effectively, not as additional resources but as critical funding to deliver health programs and initiatives. Collectively, countries in the region and partner organizations have committed over $345 million to WHO’s core agenda from 2025 to 2028, demonstrating a united effort to strengthen healthcare systems and address pressing public health issues.

Several countries, including Indonesia and Bhutan, are expected to announce their financial commitments in the coming weeks. The fundraising effort will conclude with a grand pledging event in November, coinciding with the G-20 summit hosted by Brazil. This event marks an important milestone in securing sustainable funding for WHO’s programs, especially in regions with high healthcare demands like Southeast Asia.

At a recent WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee meeting, stakeholders from various sectors, including national health ministries, non-governmental organizations, and international partners like the Gates Foundation, GAVI, UNICEF, and the Asian Development Bank, gathered to advocate for reliable and predictable funding. Sustainable financing is critical for ensuring the full implementation of WHO’s next Global Programme of Work, which aims to address the health needs of millions of people worldwide.

Saima Wazed, WHO’s regional director for Southeast Asia, highlighted the unique challenges faced by the region, which is home to a quarter of the world’s population. She emphasized the region’s immense potential, noting the collective commitment from health ministries and partner organizations toward improving healthcare outcomes. "We see incredible resources and dedication from our partners, who have already identified where they want to invest in building a healthier region," she said.

As the world grapples with ongoing global health crises, securing long-term funding for WHO’s initiatives remains a top priority. The financial contributions from countries like India, along with collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations, are essential for addressing healthcare inequities, improving public health infrastructure, and enhancing global health security.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)