The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a $1.5bn financing platform in collaboration with multilateral development banks (MDBs) to strengthen primary healthcare.

This platform is set to bolster primary healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), enhancing their resilience against pandemics and the climate crisis.

The Health Impact Investment Platform has begun execution, with the first country health investment plans being operationalised.

This marks a significant move from commitment to action in the partnership between MDBs, the WHO, and LMICs. The initiative focuses on fortifying primary healthcare in communities that are vulnerable and underserved.

At a high-level roundtable in New York, alongside the UN Summit of the Future, new funds were committed, and discussions commenced on healthcare improvements in 15 countries.

The WHO announced the imminent launch of investment plans in nations including Burundi, Ethiopia, Jordan, and the Maldives.

The meeting saw attendance from the three founding MDB partners—the European Investment Bank, the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank—alongside WHO, state heads, and finance and health ministers from Egypt, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

The Asian Development Bank also declared its intention to join the platform, aiming to extend the initiative's reach.

To commence the implementation of these investment plans, the European Investment Bank and WHO have signed an initial €10m ($11.12m) contribution.

The Islamic Development Bank and the African Development Bank are also preparing to sign contributions of a similar amount shortly.

European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño said: “Supporting primary healthcare services is the foundation of strong communities. Working closely with fellow Multilateral Development Banks and partner countries, guided by the expertise of the World Health Organization, we are making a difference.”

This platform is a crucial element in a broader strategy to mobilise €1.5bn in concessional loans and grants. These funds are intended to enhance primary healthcare services in LMICs, particularly in the most susceptible communities.

The current investment plans being developed for the 15 countries represent a significant portion of this financial effort.