India Will Strengthen Global Health Efforts: PM Modi to WHO Chief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing global health on Tuesday while expressing support for World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, fondly referred to as ‘Tulsi Bhai’ by the Indian leader.

The statement came in response to Dr. Ghebreyesus' post on X (formerly Twitter), where he thanked PM Modi and other world leaders for their contributions during the inaugural WHO Investment Round held in Brazil.

India’s Pledge to Boost Global Health Initiatives

India’s Active Role in the Health Sector

In a post on X, PM Modi emphasized India's proactive engagement in the health sector and its focus on integrating cutting-edge technology.

“Dear Tulsi Bhai, A healthy planet is a better planet. India is working actively in this sector,” he stated. “We are attaching great priority to integrating technology too. At the same time, we will strengthen global efforts in this regard.”

India’s commitment underscores its leadership role in driving global health initiatives, particularly through innovative solutions and collaboration with international organizations like the WHO.

The First-Ever WHO Investment Round: A Milestone Event

Global Leaders Unite in Rio de Janeiro

The World Health Organization (WHO) hosted its inaugural Investment Round during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. The event was a historic occasion aimed at securing funds to support the organization’s global health strategy.

The Investment Round raised $1.7 billion, signaling robust international support for WHO’s mission. Attended by global leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi , the event highlighted the urgency of addressing global health challenges and the need for stable financing.

Addressing Inequality and Sustainable Development

The G20 leaders pledged to combat inequalities in all forms and reaffirmed their commitment to building a just and sustainable world. Their declaration emphasized the WHO’s pivotal role in global health governance, advocating for transparent and stable financial support.

WHO's Ambitious Funding Goals and Achievements

Securing Resources for Global Health

WHO Director-General Dr. Ghebreyesus underscored the importance of investing in the organization, stating, “Investment in @WHO is an investment in global health security.”

The WHO revealed that it has already secured $3.8 billion towards its $7.1 billion funding goal, marking 53% funding for the 14th General Programme of Work. This program is expected to save 40 million additional lives over the next four years, according to the global health agency.

Strategic Use of Funds

The funds raised will be directed toward achieving critical health outcomes, enhancing health systems, and addressing pressing challenges such as pandemics, infectious diseases, and access to healthcare in vulnerable regions.

Global Cooperation for Health Security

The WHO Investment Round and G20 declarations reflect the global commitment to enhancing health security and addressing systemic inequalities. PM Modi’s statements highlight India's pivotal role in fostering international collaboration and leveraging technology for improved health outcomes.

By contributing to WHO's goals, India and other nations are not only advancing global health security but also ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development reach all corners of the world.

Conclusion

The inaugural WHO Investment Round, held alongside the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, marks a critical juncture in the global fight for health security and sustainable development. India's proactive stance, as reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the nation's unwavering commitment to advancing global health through innovation, collaboration, and technological integration.

With $1.7 billion raised during the event and over half of the WHO's ambitious funding goals already met, the stage is set for transformative global health outcomes.

As countries unite to address inequalities and strengthen health systems worldwide, India's leadership and partnership with organizations like WHO exemplify a collective resolve to create a healthier, more equitable world. By investing in global health security today, nations are laying the foundation for a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.