Agreement aims to contribute to WHO’s core mandate
The State of Qatar, represented by Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a Core Contribution Agreement for US$ 10,000,000 to support WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13) and for COVID-19 response through the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A).
This is the first Core Contribution Agreement signed between the State of Qatar and WHO, highlighting the strong partnership and commitment to work jointly ensuring the most vulnerable communities around the world receive immediate and unhampered assistance when it is most needed.
HE Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, said: “Qatar’s contribution to the WHO affirms Qatar’s fulfillment of its obligations and keenness to support WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13) 2019-2023, to attain the “triple billion” target to ensure that one billion more people benefiting from UHC, one billion more people supported during emergencies and one billion more enjoying better health and well-being. It also supports the initiatives of speeding up the access to the essential supplies needed in the fight against COVID-19, to include accelerating the development of COVID-19 tests, treatment and vaccination while ensuring fair access.”
HE Dr. Hanan Al Kuwari commended the pivotal role of WHO, especially in the current difficult time as the world is fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. She also affirms Qatar’s keenness to enhance its partnership with the WHO. She also praised the outstanding role of Qatar Fund for Development in supporting global effort to alleviate human suffering and support health, education, and economic empowerment.
HE Mr. Khalifa Bin Jassim AL Kuwari, Director General of QFFD said: “This month last year in March 2020 COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The coronavirus knows no borders, affecting people who are particularly vulnerable the most. Effectively addressing COVID-19 cannot be achieved in isolation as it affects everyone. During such times, bold actions and strong collaboration is needed for favorable results. Therefore, The State of Qatar through Qatar Fund for Development is providing its first flexible funding to WHO in support of the efforts done by the agency to combat the pandemic and support WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13)”
The contribution shall be used for the implementation of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW13) to enable WHO to address health emergencies, ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages, achieve universal health coverage, contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and support the world on prevention, containment, treatment and coordination of COVID-19 response efforts.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a powerful demonstration that health is not a luxury item or merely a product of strong and prosperous societies; it is a fundamental human right and the foundation of social, economic and political stability,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. ***“I thank the State of Qatar for its contribution, which will support WHO to achieve its mission to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.” ***
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