Islamic Development Bank, WHO start healthcare investment platform

The Islamic Development Bank is part of the collaboration where Malaysia and Indonesia are country members.

Three multilateral development banks (MDBs) partner with the World Health Organisation (WHO)to launch the Health Impact Investment Platform.

Alongside WHO are the African Development Bank (AfDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) – where Malaysia and Indonesia are country members.

Launched at the Paris Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, the platform will provide EU1.5b ($1.6b) in concessional loans and grants to low-income and middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs). 

This funding aims to enhance primary healthcare (PHC) services, particularly for marginalised and underserved populations.

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The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is also exploring the possibility of joining the partnership to expand the initiative to the Latin America and Caribbean region, recognizing that this is a global challenge.

WHO will be the platform’s policy coordinator, ensuring that financing decisions align with national health priorities and strategies. 

The secretariat of the platform will assist governments in developing national health plans and prioritising investments in PHC. 

Additionally, the platform aims to stimulate broader investments in PHC to support government health strategies.

(EU1.00 = $1.09)