IsDB joins efforts with WHO and development partners to promote health impact investment

As part of its commitment to the global initiative to build stronger primary health care and health systems resilience, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) announced today an important grant allocation of US$ 10 million to WHO to implement the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP).

This significant contribution, signed on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, on November 12^th, 2024, marks a crucial step towards operationalizing our commitment to climate and health in low- and middle-income countries.

The HIIP represents a groundbreaking collaboration among Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), WHO, and countries in need of robust health and climate solutions. This initiative focuses on the investment in essential, climate and crisis-resilient primary health care services and systems. It aims to reinforce the health system, especially in low- and middle-income countries and in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to foster resilience against emerging health threats and climate challenges.

The US$ 10 million grant from IsDB will specifically support the technical assistance that WHO provides to countries around the world to assess investment needs and to design the most impactful health projects. These projects will serve as the foundation for co-investment by the MDBs, ensuring that resources are directed toward areas with the greatest potential for positive health outcomes.

Amongst WHO's priorities for the next four years, as stated in its Fourteenth General Programme of Work, is to strengthen climate resilience, through the development and implementation of national adaptation plans for climate change, and make 10 000 health facilities fully functional, including with solar electrification.

In addition to the grant, IsDB's contribution is projected to unlock at least US$ 500 million in health investments across the region. This collective goal is part of a broader effort to mobilize a total of US$ 1.5 billion in concessional loans and grants, focusing on critical areas, this way addressing national health priorities.

"The Islamic Development Bank is proud to support the Health Impact Investment Platform as part of our unwavering commitment to advancing universal health coverage and resilience in our Member Countries. These Multilateral Development Banks and WHO partnerships enable us to scale up primary health care where it is needed most, creating a stronger foundation to withstand future crises and addressing the pressing health challenges of today. Together, we are fostering a healthier, more equitable future for communities across the globe", declared IsDB President H.E. Dr Muhammad Al Jasser.

"Low- and middle-income countries need access to sustainable financing to strengthen their health systems through primary health care, to make them both more resilient to pandemics and more equitable in delivering essential health services", said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "The Health Impact Investment Platform combines WHO's public health expertise and on-the-ground presence with the resources and financing expertise of the Islamic Development Bank and other multilateral development banks. By working together, we can make a significant difference in improving health outcomes and creating a healthier future for all".

As we embark on this journey, the IsDB remains committed alongside its partners to fostering partnerships that will enhance healthcare outcomes and improve the quality of life for communities worldwide.

Note to editors

*The 15 countries identified as part of phase one of the Health Impact Investment Platform are:

• Burundi
• Central African Republic
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Guinea Bissau
• Jordan
• Maldives
• Morocco
• Senegal
• South Sudan
• The Gambia
• Tunisia
• Zambia
  

About Islamic Development Bank (IsDB):

Rated AAA by the major rating agencies of the world, the Islamic Development Bank is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South that has been working for 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57 Member Countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly 1 in 5 of the world population. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place and enabling them to fulfil their potential.

https://www.isdb.org

About WHO

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations - leading the world's response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

www.who.int

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