Qatar has pledged a voluntary contribution of $4 million USD to the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024, reinforcing the Gulf state's long-standing commitment to multilateral global health. The announcement was made by HE Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, Qatar's Minister of Public Health and Chair of the WHO Executive Board, at the organization's 150th Executive Board session.
Qatar's WHO Contribution Announced at Investment Round
Dr. Al Kuwari made the announcement during WHO's first Investment Round — a high-level pledging event titled "All for Health, Health for All" — where she represented the State of Qatar alongside WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and senior health leaders from around the world.
Speaking at the session, Dr. Al Kuwari reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to the organization: "Qatar will remain a steadfast partner of WHO in the future."
Qatar Among WHO's Top Member-State Funders
Qatar currently ranks 7th among WHO member states in contributions to the organization's program budget for 2020–2021. In 2021, the country contributed $10 million USD to WHO, making the 2024 pledge part of a sustained and growing funding trajectory.
Dr. Al Kuwari highlighted Qatar's support for multilateral, regional, and country-specific health initiatives — covering areas including climate change, rising health inequalities, and pandemic preparedness.
Focus on WHO's General Programme of Work 14
Much of Dr. Al Kuwari's address centered on WHO's General Programme of Work 14 (GPW 14), which charts the organization's direction for 2025–2028 and aims to improve health and well-being for all populations globally.
She stressed that adequate financial support for GPW 14 requires funding mechanisms that prioritize predictability and flexibility. "Progress in global health could only be attained when countries are willing to work together," she said, noting Qatar's historic decision to increase its contributions as a model of sustained multilateral engagement.
Health as a Fundamental Human Right
The Minister underscored Qatar's belief that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right — particularly important given rising international threats including climate-related health risks and growing inequalities in health outcomes across countries.
Qatar's participation in the WHO Investment Round signals continued commitment not just financially, but to the broader principle of global solidarity in health governance.
