IsDB Commits $10 Million To WHO For Strengthening Primary Healthcare Initiatives

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has announced a $10 million grant to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP). This initiative aims to strengthen primary healthcare systems, enhancing their ability to withstand crises. The agreement was formalised at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, highlighting IsDB's commitment to climate and health efforts in low- and middle-income countries.

The HIIP is a collaborative effort involving multilateral development banks, WHO, and countries needing robust health and climate solutions. The IsDB grant will help WHO provide technical assistance for assessing global investment needs and designing impactful health projects. These projects will lay the groundwork for joint investments by multilateral development banks, ensuring resources are directed towards areas with significant potential for sustainable health improvements.

Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of IsDB, stated that supporting the HIIP aligns with the bank's dedication to enhancing healthcare coverage and resilience among its member countries. "Our partnerships with multilateral development banks and WHO allow us to invest in primary healthcare where it is most needed. This helps build a strong foundation to face future crises and tackle today’s health challenges. We want to promote a healthier and fairer future for communities worldwide," Dr. Al Jasser said.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the importance of reliable funding for low- and middle-income countries to improve their health systems through primary healthcare. "Low- and middle-income countries need reliable funding to improve their health systems through primary healthcare. This will make them more resilient to pandemics and ensure fair access to essential health services," he explained.

Dr. Tedros further highlighted how HIIP combines WHO's public-health expertise with IsDB's financial resources, along with other multilateral development banks. "The HIIP brings together WHO's public-health knowledge and field experience with the resources and financial expertise of IsDB and other multilateral development banks. Together, we can make a real difference in health outcomes and build a healthier future for everyone," Dr. Tedros added.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards improving global health outcomes by investing in primary healthcare where it is most needed, ensuring communities worldwide have access to essential services during crises.

With inputs from SPA