WHO Foundation Partners with Bayer to Enhance Global Health Initiatives

In a significant move for global health, the WHO Foundation has recently unveiled a collaboration with Bayer, a partnership aimed at addressing some of the world's pressing health challenges. This agreement marks an important step forward in strengthening health systems and tackling neglected tropical diseases, self-care, and the effects of climate change on sexual and reproductive health.

A Long-Standing Engagement with Health

For over two decades, Bayer has been a steadfast ally of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Through its commitment to supply medicines and funding, Bayer has played a crucial role in bolstering health systems, particularly in vulnerable communities worldwide. The new partnership with the WHO Foundation builds upon this rich history, signifying a renewed commitment to shared health priorities.

Focus on Key Global Health Challenges

Under this collaboration, three key areas will be prioritized:

1. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): The partnership aims to intensify global efforts to eliminate diseases such as Chagas, Human African Trypanosomiasis, and Taeniasis. Despite ongoing efforts, these diseases still afflict more than a billion people globally, and the threats posed by climate change make their elimination more critical than ever.

2. Self-Care Initiatives: Recognizing the essential role of self-care in health management, this partnership aims to help countries integrate self-care interventions into universal health coverage, particularly for underserved populations in low- and middle-income nations. Individuals taking greater responsibility for their health not only improves personal health outcomes but also lessens the burden on healthcare infrastructures.

3. Climate and Sexual and Reproductive Health: Collaborating with the Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) enabled by the UN, this initiative seeks to understand how climate change influences sexual and reproductive health. By drawing on personal experiences, the partnership aims to shed light on these critical interactions and promote relevant policies and practices.

Driving Change Towards Health Equity

This partnership is not just about alleviating health burdens; it aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address critical healthcare gaps. Bayer and the WHO Foundation are actively inviting global stakeholders to explore innovative funding avenues, acknowledging that comprehensive, cross-sector strategies are essential to enhancing health outcomes globally.

Leadership Insight

Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, stated, "Bayer's long-term engagement demonstrates the vital role that the private sector can play in global health initiatives. Our partnership through the WHO Foundation will lead to new models of funding and active engagement."

On the Bayer side, Claus Runge, Global Head of Public Affairs, emphasized, "We are proud to renew our commitment to fight NTDs alongside the WHO Foundation. This partnership opens up new chapters in our collaborative journey, particularly regarding public awareness around climate change's healthcare implications."

Daniella Foster, Bayer’s SVP and Global Head of Public Affairs, expressed the importance of self-care: "Most individuals have only a fraction of time with healthcare practitioners, which is why self-care is critical. Equipping people with the knowledge and tools to manage their health proactively is imperative, and our partnership with the WHO Foundation seeks to accomplish just that."

The WHO Foundation, independent and based in Geneva, plays a crucial role in supporting WHO's mission by mobilizing funds and building partnerships that advance health equity and address urgent health challenges.

Through this collaboration with Bayer, the WHO Foundation is aiming to make a profound impact on the global health landscape, fostering sustainable practices that prioritize health for all.