The State of Qatar will contribute $10m to support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) efforts to promote health and keep the world safe, especially the most vulnerable, around the globe. Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed a core contribution agreement with the global health body to support WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work. The intervention will also support the COVID-19 response through the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator.
Qatar’s strong partnership with WHO will ensure the most vulnerable communities around the world receive immediate and unhampered assistance when it is most needed. Qatar has been an active partner of the UN in promoting health, education, conflict resolution, sustainable development, and other humanitarian interventions around the globe. Doha has also been at the forefront of global efforts against the ongoing pandemic. It has contributed to efforts to develop safe, effective vaccines against the coronavirus infection, and has dispatched medical supplied to countries and communities in need.
Commenting on Qatar’s latest contribution agreement, Minister of Public Health H E Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari said the agreement affirms Qatar’s fulfillment of its obligations and keenness to support WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work. Qatar has commended WHO’s role, especially during the ongoing pandemic, and has affirmed its keenness to enhance its partnership with the WHO.
The contribution will help WHO address health emergencies, ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages, achieve universal health coverage, contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and support the world in prevention, containment, treatment and coordination of COVID-19 response efforts.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has thanked Qatar for its contribution, saying it will support the UN body to achieve its mission to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. He said the pandemic has shown that health is a fundamental human right and the foundation of social, economic and political stability.
The Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13) defines WHO’s strategy for the five-year period, 2019-2023. It focuses on measurable impacts on people’s health at the country level. Its “triple billion” targets aim to ensure that: One billion more people benefit from universal health coverage; one billion more people are better protected from health emergencies; and one billion more enjoy better health and well-being.
Qatar’s $10m contribution will also support the initiatives of speeding up the access to the essential supplies needed in the fight against COVID-19, and accelerating the development of COVID-19 tests, treatment and vaccination while ensuring fair access.
