WHO Launches Health Investment Platform

World Health Organization (WHO), in cooperation with three multilateral development banks (MDBs), launched a new investment platform to strengthen primary healthcare services during Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact.

The African Development Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB), Islamic Development Bank and WHO are the platform’s founding members.

The new platform will make an initial US$1.65 billion available to low- and middle-income in concessional loans and grants to expand the reach and scope of their PH services, especially for the most vulnerable and underserved populations and communities, said WHO.

Accordingly, the global health agency will act as the platform’s policy coordinator, responsible for ensuring the alignment of financing decisions with national health priorities and strategies. The platform’s secretariat will help governments to develop national health and prioritize PH investment plans.