#Denmark #Copenhagen #Global Health #Novo Nordisk #WHO

Novo Nordisk Foundation Enters Strategic Agreement with WHO

In a significant move to enhance global health initiatives, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has entered into a strategic framework agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO). The collaboration was announced on May 21, 2025, during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, where the Foundation committed to providing a total of up to DKK 380 million over the next four years. This substantial grant aims to further strengthen the existing partnership between the two organizations.

Deepening Partnership and Focus Areas

The newly signed framework agreement emphasizes a more strategic approach to their collaborative efforts. It sets the stage for both parties to work closely on critical areas that impact health worldwide. Key focus areas of this partnership include:

• - Promotion and protection of health: Addressing the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiometabolic diseases.
• - Healthcare workforce development: Identifying and addressing the critical gaps in the health workforce that affect service delivery.
• - Inequities in health access: Tackling disparities in access to quality NCD services across different populations.
• - Antimicrobial resistance: Seeking resolutions to combat this growing threat to public health.

For several years, the Foundation has actively supported WHO's emergency health response operations and provided assistance in situations related to NCDs, especially in emergencies. The strategic framework marks a significant expansion of this engagement, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to long-term objectives in the global health landscape.

Vision for Global Health

Professor Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, expressed excitement about this partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to enter into this agreement with WHO, which will strengthen our partnership and serve our common mission of advancing global health."

He further emphasized the importance of WHO as a key partner in achieving the Foundation’s vision of improving health and sustainability across the globe. "WHO plays a unique role in the global health ecosystem, providing normative guidance, monitoring diseases, and supporting countries in building resilient health systems," he explained.

About the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Founded in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation operates as an enterprise foundation with distinct philanthropic objectives. It is dedicated to enhancing people’s health and fostering sustainability within society and the environment. The Foundation’s mission focuses on advancing research and innovation aimed at preventing and treating both cardiometabolic and infectious diseases. Additionally, it works towards solutions that promote a green transformation of society.

This collaboration with WHO marks a pivotal step as both organizations strive to overcome urgent health challenges and ultimately improve the quality of life for people worldwide. With a financial commitment of up to DKK 380 million over the next four years, the Novo Nordisk Foundation demonstrates its unwavering dedication to enhancing global health through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives.

As both entities navigate the complexities of public health, this agreement is expected to pave the way for innovative strategies and collaborative solutions to some of the most pressing health issues of our time.