WHO has published is first ever strategy on UN multi-partner trust funds (MPTFs).
MPTFs and Joint Programs (collectively know as or inter-agency pooled funds) provide significant opportunities for WHO to work with partners by maximizing efficiencies and impact on health and development. MPTFs and Joint Programs are especially important for driving forward multisectoral action, which is critical in reaching many of the targets of the health SDGs. Inter-agency pooled funds are an important part of the UN reform process, improving collaboration and reducing programmatic fragmentation across humanitarian, peace and security, and sustainable development.
WHO currently receives around US$ 40 million annually through MPTFs. With the UN Sustainable Development Group Funding Compact, WHO stands to benefit from ever greater investment in inter-agency pooled funds – both those that WHO leads as well as others where WHO is a partner.
WHO hosts three MPTFs
- Health4Life: Established in 2021 by WHO, UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme to catalyze country action and scale up domestic financing for noncommunicable diseases and mental health.
- Working for Health: Created in 2017 by WHO, the International Labour Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to assist countries to expand and transform the health and social workforce for the SDGs.
- Antimicrobial Resistance: Launched in 2019 by WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health to catalyze and accelerate progress on One Health approaches to antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries.
The indivisible and interconnected nature of the SDGs has reinforced the imperative for more flexible and predictable funding. Inter-Agency Pooled Funds help strengthen coordination and collaboration across entities of the United Nations development system.
Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
It is more important than ever that the UN continues to stand together in solidarity to tackle complex challenges with comprehensive solutions.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, describing the COVID19 Response & Recovery Fund
The strategy is also available on the WHO website.
