Luxembourg Deepens Global Health Commitment with WHO Partnership

December 20, 2024, marked a proud moment for Luxembourg in its journey to support global health and the World Health Organization (WHO). By signing two significant agreements, the country strengthened its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the fight for better public health worldwide.

The first, a Strategic Partnership Framework (SPF) with Luxembourg’s Ministry of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, is worth an incredible €46.5 million—the largest agreement WHO has ever signed with Luxembourg. On top of that, Luxembourg also introduced a groundbreaking multi-year voluntary contribution of €1 million, through the Ministry of Health and Social Safety, to support WHO’s initiatives.

During a bilateral meeting, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Safety, Martine Deprez, emphasized the impact of these contributions. “From now till 2028, this funding will support key priorities in our collaboration with WHO,” she said. This includes preparedness for health crises, reducing health inequalities, and paying special attention to gender equity.

This funding is designed to be flexible, enabling WHO to allocate resources to the areas where they’re needed most. It also supports vital programs such as the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, tropical disease research, and polio eradication efforts.

Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel shared his country’s commitment: “By signing these new agreements, we’re reaffirming our dedication to WHO’s mission and to multilateral efforts in global health. Prevention is key to avoiding health crises, and we believe this collaboration is the best way forward.”

The signing ceremony carried a deeper significance, as it took place on the International Day of Solidarity, symbolizing Luxembourg’s alignment with global health goals. WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his gratitude, saying, “These agreements are a powerful statement of solidarity—not just with WHO, but with people all over the world.”

As Luxembourg and WHO continue their long-standing partnership, these initiatives reaffirm a shared mission: to promote, provide, and protect health for everyone, everywhere.