GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) and France signed seven contribution agreements on 17 October 2024, totalling €24 million. The signing took place at WHO headquarters in Geneva between France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The funds, provided through France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, fall under the France–WHO Framework Agreement for 2020–2025. The contribution includes €4.5 million in fully flexible voluntary funds for WHO’s Core Voluntary Contributions Account (CVCA).
France’s support will target key health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, urban health labs, One Health initiatives, and the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies. It will also fund WHO’s responses in Gaza, cholera outbreaks, and mental health support in Ukraine, as well as continued backing for the WHO emergencies centre in Lyon.
Ambassador Bonnafont said France remains committed to supporting WHO in tackling global health challenges, promoting health equity, and strengthening healthcare systems. Dr Tedros expressed gratitude, noting the contribution will help address health threats and protect vulnerable populations.
France is a co-host of WHO’s first Investment Round, aimed at securing predictable and flexible resources for the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (2025–2028).
Source: World Health Organization
