A healthier humanity

Why invest in WHO

WHO’s five-year strategic plan covering the period 2019–2023 is focused on achieving its Triple Billion target, which states that by 2023:

• One billion more people will benefit from Universal Health Coverage
• One billion more people will be better protected from health emergencies
• One billion people more people will enjoy better health and well- being.

This investment case describes how a stronger, more efficient and results oriented WHO can serve and guide governments and partners in their efforts to improve the health of their populations and to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.

WHO will achieve results: The five years to 2023 will determine whether the world will achieve the health- related SDGs. Early investment in WHO will keep the world on track towards SDG3 and the other health-related targets.

WHO has a unique role and track record: WHO is an indispensable ally, key convenor, and driving force in coordinating efforts across the global health arena. Recent successes include containment of Ebola outbreaks, and major cholera and yellow fever vaccination campaigns.
WHO and partners are working to produce and test effective new vaccines against meningitis and Ebola, and the world’s first ever malaria vaccine.

WHO will leave no one behind Health is a human right. This concept is inherent in the Sustainable Development Agenda’s commitment to leave “no one behind”. To that end, WHO works to implement equity, gender and rights-based approaches that close coverage gaps, enhance participation and resilience, and empower individuals and communities.

What WHO will achieve

One billion more people benefiting from Universal Health Coverage

Investments in expanding Universal Health Coverage over the next five years will result in 24.4 million lives saved. Each dollar invested will result in a return of US$ 1.40. WHO’s principal activities aimed at expanding Universal Health Coverage in the period 2019-2023 include:
• Improving access to quality essential health services
• Ensuring sustainable financing and financial protection
• Availability of essential medicines
• Developing qualified workforces
• Fostering better governance
• Improving monitoring, data, and information

One billion more people better protected from Health Emergencies

Health emergencies affect millions of people every year. Many health emergencies are partly or fully preventable, and harm can be reduced through preparedness, prevention, early detection and rapid response. Success will be measured against the goal of better protecting at least 1 billion more people from health emergencies and providing life- saving health services to 100 million vulnerable people in fragile and conflict settings. It will save approximately 1.5 million lives and provide economic gains of US$ 240 billion.

WHO’s principal activities aimed at Health Emergencies in 2019-2023 focus on:
• Increasing preparedness
• Prevention
• Detection and response