To fight against the impact of climate change in low- and middle-income countries, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has supported the World Health Organisation (WHO) with the sum of $10 million.
The grant donated aims to implement and promote the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP) among other initiatives in universal health coverage.
On 12 November, this development came shortly after the signing of the Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku in the effort to show their commitment in building and maintaining stronger primary healthcare and healthy systems.
In partnering with WHO and MDBs to develop and invest in healthcare services and provide climate solutions, this initiative, HIIP, was brought to life.
Among other goals, the initiative targets underserved communities, with the aim to foster resilience against emerging health threats and climate challenges.
The donation is said to aid and provide technical assistance to countries, assess investment needs, and design the most impactful health projects.
WHO noted, “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.”
As noted in their 14th General Programme of Work, WHO said in the next 4-year, the health organisation aims to strengthen climate resilience via development and implement national adaptation plans for climate change.
Also, WHO pledges to provide 10,000 health facilities and solar electrification with the mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
WHO announced that this initiative in addressing national health priorities will unlock at least $500 million in health investments across the region with a collective effort to mobilize a total sum of $1.5 billion, focusing on critical areas of concessional loans and grants.
Speaking during the meeting, IsDB President, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser affirmed that “together, we are fostering a healthier, more equitable future for communities across the globe.”
Also, reaffirming its collective efforts and commitment, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “By working together, we can make a significant difference in improving health outcomes and creating a healthier future for all.”
WHO stated, “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.”
“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.”
The 15 countries to benefit from the HIIP phase one initiative are Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, and Maldives.
Others include Morocco, Senegal, South Sudan, The Gambia, Tunisia, and Zambia.
About IsDB
With over 50-year of impacting nearly 1 in 5 of the world population’s lives, IsDB is marked as a major rating agency of the world by AAA and a pioneer with the multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South, connecting 57 member countries across four continents.
The objectives of IsDB are to address development challenges, equip people in driving economic progress, achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and create an enabling, planet-friendly infrastructure atmosphere.
