France and WHO Strengthen Partnership with New Contributions
Geneva, 17 October 2024 – This afternoon, His Excellency Mr. Jérôme Bonnafont, the Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Geneva, convened with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), at the organization’s headquarters to formalize seven new contribution agreements.
The total contribution amounts to €24 million and is facilitated through France’s Ministry of Europe & Foreign Affairs. This funding aligns with the France-WHO Framework Agreement for 2020-2025, which establishes a strategic partnership that supports WHO’s priorities while providing essential legal and financial frameworks for effective collaboration.
This recent commitment includes a significant allocation of €4.5 million in fully flexible voluntary funds designated for the Core Voluntary Contributions Account (CVCA).
Moreover, France will bolster critical areas within WHO’s initiatives aimed at tackling urgent health issues such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), urban health laboratories, One Health initiatives, support for the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE), as well as responses to various crises including those in Gaza and cholera outbreaks alongside mental health assistance in Ukraine.
The French government will also continue its support for the WHO emergency center located in Lyon which plays an essential role in epidemic preparedness and response efforts.
A Commitment to Global Health Challenges
Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont emphasized the significance of this partnership: “France is unwaveringly dedicated to aiding the World Health Organization as it confronts vital global health challenges. These agreements embody our mutual goals of enhancing health equity, responding effectively to emergencies, and fortifying healthcare systems across nations.”
Gratitude from WHO Leadership
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his appreciation by stating: “We are profoundly thankful to the French Government for its consistent support towards WHO’s mission along with its leadership role in global health matters. This funding will empower us to tackle major health threats ranging from non-communicable diseases to emergency responses—ultimately saving lives and safeguarding vulnerable populations.”
A Strong Advocate for Flexible Financing
France has been a staunch advocate for a fully financed World Health Organization that operates flexibly; it has taken steps toward increasing assessed contributions within this organization framework. Additionally, France co-hosted WHO’s inaugural Investment Round aimed at mobilizing predictable resources necessary for core operations under The Fourteenth General Programme of Work (2025–2028), which received approval from the World Health Assembly earlier this year.
A Milestone Moment
This signing event signifies yet another pivotal moment reinforcing an enduring partnership between France and WHO—solidifying their shared commitment towards fostering a healthier world.
