By Ayomide Otitoju
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) have renewed their collaboration on universal health coverage (UHC) with the launch of Phase V (2025–2028) of the UHC Partnership, WHO’s largest platform for strengthening health systems and advancing primary health care.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York by EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Under Phase V, the EU will provide €40 million in financial support, with an additional contribution expected in 2027.
The new phase will focus on building resilient, equitable, and people-centred health systems, seen as vital to achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The EU, a founding and leading donor of the partnership, has enabled WHO to deliver long-term, country-level technical support aligned with national priorities since the initiative began in 2011.
Over the past decade, the UHC Partnership has supported more than 115 countries in strengthening governance, health financing, service delivery, and emergency preparedness, contributing to measurable improvements in health systems and reaching over 3 billion people worldwide.
With the latest funding, WHO will target countries with the most pressing needs, helping address gaps in health systems, drive domestic resource mobilization, and advance the Lusaka Agenda. The partnership will also support implementation of the UN’s new vision on noncommunicable diseases, mental health, and well-being, which will be considered at the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on September 25.
“Strong health systems are the cornerstone of sustainable development, resilience, and global stability,” said Commissioner Síkela. “Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EU reaffirms its commitment to working with WHO so that all people can access quality health services without financial hardship.”
Dr. Tedros added: “Achieving health for all requires partnership. This renewed collaboration between the EU and WHO will help millions of people worldwide access the care they need. Together, we are turning global health commitments into national action – ensuring no one is left behind.”
Phase V comes as countries grapple with the effects of climate change, economic uncertainty, and declining development assistance. The EU’s renewed investment underscores its role as a global leader in advancing universal health coverage through primary health care.
