Within the framework of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced a joint investment aimed at strengthening health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
The IDB will provide a grant of 10 million dollars to start the Health Impact Investment Platform, an initiative that seeks to address the challenges of health and climate change.
This strategic collaboration will improve the services of primary care and the resilience of health systems in vulnerable countries, adapting them to new threats arising from climate change and health crises.
The Health Impact Investment Platform represents an innovative alliance between development banks, the WHO and countries that need support to address critical health problems and enhance the sustainability of their health systems.
Strengthening health systems with climate resilience
The contribution of 10 million dollars by the IDB will be allocated to the technical assistance of the WHO to assess investment needs in beneficiary countries and design projects that maximize positive impact on health.
These projects will be supported by shared investment from other multilateral banks, channelling resources to areas with the potential to generate significant results.
Among the WHO's priorities for the coming years is the climate adaptation of health systems, through its 14th General Work Programme, which includes the establishment of national climate change resilience plans.
This program also seeks to ensure that 10,000 health centers can operate sustainably, including the use of solar energy in its facilities.
IDB and WHO Commitment to Universal Health
In addition to this initial grant, the IDB has committed to allocate at least 500 million dollars in health investments across the region, as part of a global strategy to reach a total of US$1.5 billion in financing. These investments will allow beneficiary countries to address the most urgent health care needs.
Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the IsDB, underlined the importance of this initiative: “The IsDB is proud to support the Health Impact Investment Platform, part of our commitment to universal health coverage and resilience. This collaboration with the WHO allows us to expand primary care in the most needy places, laying a stronger foundation to face future health crises.”
For his part, Dr. Tedros Adhanom GhebreyesusWHO Director-General, highlighted the impact of the platform: “Low- and middle-income countries need sustainable financing to strengthen their health systems. The Health Impact Investment Platform leverages WHO’s public health expertise and the financial resources of the IsDB and other multilateral banks. Together, we can make significant changes to improve health outcomes.”
Countries included in the first phase of the platform
In this first stage, 15 countries will benefit from the Health Impact Investment Platform. The countries included are: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Jordan, Maldives, Morocco, Central African Republic, Senegal, South Sudan, Tunisia and Zambia.
This partnership between the IDB and the WHO is an important step towards strengthening health and resilience in developing countries, contributing to a more equitable and healthy future for the world's most vulnerable communities.
