The new foundation will complement WHO funding and not replace contributions made by UN member states.
Keystone / Martial Trezzini
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an independent grant-making entity called WHO Foundation that will raise private funds to meet global health challenges.
Launched on Wednesday in Geneva, the foundationExternal link will help the WHO reach its “triple billion” goals: protect one billion people from health emergencies; extend universal health coverage to one billion people; and assure healthy lives and wellbeing to one billion people by 2023.
It aims to attract funds from actors that the WHO does not usually target, such as the private sector and philanthropists. The foundation hopes to be able to contribute $1 billion (CHF970 million) to WHO’s efforts over the next three to four years.
The former head of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Thomas Zeltner, is one of the main drivers behind the creation of the foundation and is a member of the Founding Board.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of more than two years of preparation and hard work by countless individuals and partner organizations. I would like to thank Professor Thomas Zeltner for spearheading this incredible adventure and founding the organization,” stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
According to Zeltner, up to 80% of the donations raised by the foundation will be channelled directly into the WHO secretariat and the rest to partners. An executive director will be appointed shortly.
More
More
Funding the World Health Organization: where the US money goes
This content was published on
The United States has temporarily suspended its funding to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). How was the money spent?
Berset discusses ECHR climate ruling implementation at Davos
This content was published on
Switzerland has submitted a report on the court's ruling in Strasbourg. Berset told Justice Minister Beat Jans that the Council of Europe is reviewing it.
This content was published on
A 27-year-old ski tourer has died in the hospital in Sion, in southwestern Switzerland, after being caught in an avalanche on Saturday.
Swiss health minister criticises Trump’s ‘rash’ WHO exit
This content was published on
Switzerland has expressed “deep” regret over Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO, Swiss Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said in Davos.
This content was published on
Job vacancies in Switzerland fell by 10% in 2024, marking the first negative annual balance since the Covid-19 pandemic, says Adecco.
Swiss president meets Zelensky in Davos amid tensions with Europe
This content was published on
Swiss President met Zelensky at Davos. As Zelensky thanked Switzerland, Keller-Sutter said it's too early to discuss a new summit, awaiting Trump's actions.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
EU pandemic resolution adopted at World Health Assembly
This content was published on
WHO member states have backed a resolution seeking fair access to coronavirus vaccines and treatments, and a review of the pandemic response.
Covid-19 to dominate ‘unprecedented’ virtual World Health Assembly
This content was published on
Fair access to vaccines and treatments, and an evaluation of WHO's response to the pandemic are set to dominate the World Health Assembly on Monday.
Funding the World Health Organization: where the US money goes
This content was published on
The United States has temporarily suspended its funding to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). How was the money spent?
Donald Trump and the WHO: predictable but precarious
This content was published on
Is the US president's suspension of funding for the World Health Organization surprising? Not at all. But that doesn’t make it easy to swallow.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.