Wellcome has committed US$25 million to the WHO to address health issues related to climate change, part of a larger US$50 million pledge. Additionally, US$6 million will be directed to the WMO to enhance meteorological data access for health decision-making. This initiative reflects the urgent need to combat the health impacts of climate change as part of the WHO’s 2025-28 work programme.
Wellcome has announced a substantial commitment of US$25 million aimed at addressing the intersection of climate change and health through the World Health Organization (WHO). This grant is part of a larger US$50 million package dedicated to various WHO initiatives, reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis and its impact on global health outcomes. John-Arne Røttingen, the Chief Executive of Wellcome, made this announcement during the World Health Summit in Berlin, underscoring the collaborative approach necessary to tackle the shared challenges posed by climate change. The funding will enable the WHO to enhance its efforts in understanding and mitigating the health effects of climate change. This includes expanding research into climate-related health impacts, developing methodologies for economic analysis of these impacts, and monitoring countries’ preparedness for climate-related health challenges. The initiative emphasizes the critical role that international organizations play in coordinating responses to these global issues. In addition to the grant to the WHO, Wellcome also pledged US$6 million to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This funding will support the WMO’s efforts to provide essential meteorological data to health researchers and decision-makers, facilitating a better understanding of climate threats and promoting informed responses to them. Røttingen stressed the importance of robust multilateral collaboration in addressing the shared threats posed by climate change, adding that adequate national investments in the WHO are essential for realizing the ambitions set forth by member countries. Wellcome’s financial contributions aim to catalyze vital progress in areas such as mental health and infectious diseases, alongside the urgently needed focus on climate and health.
The announcement by Wellcome aligns with a growing acknowledgment of the significant and detrimental effects that climate change imposes on public health globally. As climate change leads to an escalation in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, the need for comprehensive strategies to address health vulnerabilities has become increasingly urgent. Philanthropic support, as exemplified by Wellcome’s substantial funding, is seen as a critical element in enhancing the capacities of international health organizations like the WHO. The WHO’s upcoming four-year work programme (2025-2028) highlights the necessity of tackling climate-related health crises and sets forth ambitious objectives to mitigate these challenges.
In summary, Wellcome’s recent announcement of a US$25 million grant to the WHO, as part of a larger US$50 million commitment, underscores the urgent need for enhanced action against the health impacts of climate change. This funding, coupled with an additional US$6 million for the WMO, aims to bolster global health strategies and capacities in the face of increasingly severe climate threats. The collaborative efforts of philanthropic organizations, international agencies, and countries are essential for building resilience and ensuring a healthier future for populations worldwide.
Original Source: wellcome.org
