Laerdal Global Health and WHO Foundation Join Forces to Save Lives with $12.5 Million Initiative

Enhancing Emergency Care Training in Africa



In a remarkable development in global health, the WHO Foundation, in partnership with Laerdal Global Health, has announced a significant commitment of US $12.5 million. This investment is aimed at reinforcing the capacity for emergency care across select African nations, with aspirations to save over 50,000 lives each year. This initiative was unveiled during the World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 20, 2025, by Laerdal Global Health's founder, Tore Laerdal, and the WHO Foundation's Chair, Thomas Zeltner.

Addressing Critical Health Needs


The importance of improving emergency care cannot be overstated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where a substantial portion of mortality could be averted through effective acute care interventions. The funds will significantly bolster the WHO's Basic Emergency Care (BEC) training program, which is designed to equip health workers across 400 hospitals in three African countries with essential skills and knowledge.

This new partnership not only covers training but also includes resources like specially designed training kits to facilitate ongoing education and skills refreshment at the hospital level. Such foundational work is critical, as data has shown that implementing the BEC program can lead to a 34% to 50% reduction in mortality from acute medical issues, such as pneumonia and severe road injuries.

Life-Saving Impact


Tore Laerdal expressed confidence in the BEC program's ability to significantly reduce mortality rates, stating, "We know that the Basic Emergency Care program can reduce mortality from a range of acute conditions by up to 50 percent." Laerdal's commitment also highlights the development of new training methods that are not only simpler but also more affordable, ensuring that ongoing refresher sessions can be integrated seamlessly into the hospital routine.

Bruce Aylward, WHO's Assistant Director General for Universal Health Coverage, emphasized the importance of this initiative in the broader context of health security, remarking, "Strengthening health systems and supporting health workers to deliver effective acute care is essential to universal health coverage and health security." He further noted the timeliness of this initiative amidst diminishing resources for global health efforts.

Future Aspirations: Lifeline the Acute Care Action Fund


Alongside this $12.5 million commitment, a funding consortium has been established, known as Lifeline the Acute Care Action Fund. This initiative is currently pursuing additional partnerships, with the goal of ultimately raising $25 million to extend BEC training to 1,000 hospitals across five or more countries, thereby maximizing its potential to save lives.

Mr. Zeltner highlighted the concerted need for global collaboration in these efforts: "This generous and timely contribution from Laerdal Global Health supports WHO's vital work at a time when funding for global health is under threat. We invite others to embrace the Lifeline Acute Care Action Fund to support the scale-up of the BEC program across the region and beyond — including in humanitarian settings — ultimately saving millions of lives."

About Laerdal Global Health and the WHO Foundation


Laerdal Global Health operates as a not-for-profit entity with a mission to improve outcomes in low-resource environments. By providing scalable and adaptable solutions for health worker training and clinical care, they directly contribute to the wellbeing of mothers, newborns, and trauma victims.

The WHO Foundation, based in Geneva, acts as a vital partner to the World Health Organization, facilitating the mobilization of philanthropic resources and fostering partnerships to tackle pressing global health challenges, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

This partnership not only signifies a monumental step towards achieving universal health coverage but also embodies the collaborative spirit necessary to address local health crises effectively. With continued commitment and support, initiatives like these represent hope and progress towards a healthier global community.

Topics Health)

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