A Healthier Humanity
Invest in WHO
WHO has launched an ambitious, but achievable, five-year strategic plan: WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work (2019-2023). It focuses on a Triple Billion target: WHO will work to provide a billion more people with universal health coverage, to protect one more billion people from health emergencies and to provide a further billion people with better health and well-being.
This investment case describes how a stronger, more efficient and results oriented WHO can serve and guide governments and partners in their efforts to improve the health of their populations and to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.
WHO, with its unique role and track record, will achieve results and leave no-one behind.
The results of the implementation of WHO’s five-year strategic plan will be thanks to the joint action of WHO member states and other partners. WHO’s catalytic role focuses global health leadership, impact in countries, and global public goods.
WHO will leave no one behind
The Constitution of WHO states, “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition”. Seventy years after these words were adopted, they are as relevant as ever. Understanding health as a human right entail being accountable to international standards.
When people are marginalized or face stigma or discrimination, their physical and mental health suffers. Discrimination in health care is unacceptable and is a major barrier to development.
WHO works to implement equity, gender and rights-based approaches that close coverage gaps, enhance participation and resilience, and empower individuals and communities.
WHO will achieve results
The triple billion target
1 billion more people with Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
E. Nayak
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Credits
WHO's key role in UHC
- Focus on primary health care to improve access to quality essential services
- Work towards sustainable financing and financial protection
- Improve access to essential medicines and health products
- Train workforce and advise on labour policies
- Support people’s participation in national health policies
- Improve monitoring, data and information
It is possible for almost every country to finance universal health coverage predominantly using domestic resources, and that this will more than pay for itself, since investment in UHC returns US$ 1.40 - for every dollar spent. Investing in UHC will save an estimated 24.4 million lives.
1 billion more people better protected from Health Emergencies
WHO’s key role in health emergencies
- Prepare
- Prevent
- Detect and respond
Through better protection of 1 billion people from health emergencies, and provision of life-saving health services to 100 million people during acute public health situations, WHO will help save 1.5 million lives, in addition to returning US$ 8.30 for every dollar spent.
1 billion more people enjoying better Health and Well-Being
WHO's key role in health and well-being
Unlock the potential of every person at every stage of their lives to enjoy health and well-being
- Addressing social determinants
- Inter-sectoral approaches for health
- Health in all policies and healthy settings
Expanding work on the determinants of health and the reduction of health risks while working across many sectors, towards a world where every woman, newborn, child, adolescent, adult and older person can live a healthier life, and reach their full potential and functional ability. Better health and well-being can lead to significant economic returns and the saving of 3.8 million lives.
Measuring success
The GPW 13 Impact Framework provides a strategic approach to tracking joint efforts by Member States, the WHO Secretariat, and partners, to achieve the SDGs.
Investments in tools, training and technical expertise in data collection, as well as analysis and translation, will enable us to move towards comprehensive data and integrated health information and dissemination systems, and strengthen core capacities in countries as well as in WHO –both regions and country offices- to better monitor progress.
WHO will focus on priority initiatives to support countries strengthen their data and information systems and evidence- based decision-making. A new WHO innovation hub will look to ways of scaling and sustaining innovations towards accelerating progress.
WHO
A girl smiles as she gets her height measured
A girl smiles as she gets her height measured
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Credits
How much WHO needs
The estimated financial requirement for 2019-2023 is US$ 14.1 billion.
Up-front contributions will provide programme viability, allowing improved planning and more certain outcomes. WHO works to broaden the donor base and increase funding flexibility. An early investment in WHO will keep the world on track towards achieving SDG3 and other health-related targets.
This amount represents a total increase of 14% over the five year period as compared to the approved programme budget for 2018-2019.
Life is priceless
Life is priceless. Saving lives, promoting health, keeping the world safe, and serving the vulnerable is not a cost. It is an investment. Achieving these goals will require unfailing political and financial commitment from governments and donors and strengthened collaboration with civil society, academia, the UN family and all health actors. Success will be driven by a shared commitment to build a world where no person suffers unnecessarily from lack of access to quality and affordable health care.
Success will only be possible with a well-funded WHO that will allow us to strengthen our impact in countries and expand work on data and innovation. Not only do we need sufficient funds, but our supporters must provide increased flexibility and alignment of funding to ensure that every dollar received can be applied to achieving these targets. Only with your continued and enhanced support can we ensure joint action transforms the lives of millions. Support for WHO translates into longer and healthier lives for present and future generations.
