EU renews €40 million support for WHO health coverage partnership

The European Union pledged €40 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO)‘s Universal Health Coverage Partnership for its next phase running through 2028, with both organizations announcing the renewal at the UN General Assembly in New York, according to WHO. European Commissioner Jozef Síkela and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement on the sidelines of the 80th General Assembly session. The partnership represents WHO’s biggest platform for building stronger health systems and expanding primary healthcare access. The EU plans to add more money in 2027 as countries face climate disasters, economic troubles, and cuts to development aid.

The UHC Partnership has been running since 2011 and has worked with health ministries in over 115 countries to reform their systems. The program has reached more than 3 billion people worldwide by helping governments improve healthcare governance, service delivery, and emergency response. The EU has been the founding and leading donor throughout the program’s history.

“Strong health systems are the cornerstone of sustainable development, resilience, and global stability,” said Commissioner Síkela. “Working together with WHO to achieve universal health coverage, and supporting local manufacturing, regulatory frameworks and skills, the EU affirms its commitment to ensuring that all people can access quality health services.” WHO Director-General Tedros added that “achieving health for all requires partnership among all” and the collaboration will help millions access quality healthcare.

Phase V will focus on countries that need the most help fixing gaps in their health systems. The program will push for more domestic spending on health and help countries implement new approaches to fighting chronic diseases and mental health problems. WHO will also work on health financing, better planning, integrated service delivery, and making systems more equitable and climate-ready.

The timing matters because many countries are struggling with reduced donor funding while dealing with more health challenges from climate change and economic instability.