Core Voluntary Contribution to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

2021 and 2022 continued to be marked by COVID-19 and its catastrophic human, economic and social impact: 94% of countries experienced disruption to essential health services due to the pandemic. Already not on track before COVID-19, the world is further off track to reach most of the WHO’s triple billion targets (three billion people benefitting from universal health coverage, protected from health emergencies and enjoying better health) and health-related SDG’s.

TDR support resulted in 84 instances of informed policy and/or practice in countries to tackle infectious diseases of poverty. In addition, 17 research institutions and networks in disease-endemic countries expanded their scope of activities or increased fundraising. One of HRP major results was the publication of the WHO/HRP Abortion Care Guideline, the first ever WHO Guideline to give evidence-based recommendations in the delivery of recommended and effective interventions for providing safe abortion and post-abortion care.

Under the leadership of FOPH, SDC continued to participate in the ongoing and intensive discussions on Pandemic Preparedness and Response. This includes the decision and elaboration of a new pandemic instrument, as well as targeted adjustments to the International Health Regulations (IHR). SDC also contributed to the reform of sustainable financing which decisions and measures shall ultimately contribute to improved governance and a more efficient and transparent WHO in the UN system.

SDC is strongly committed to the reform of WHO governance, in particular its accountability framework and its control and risk management mechanisms. SDC has also been active in ensuring that WHO has a better framework for preventing sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, a theme closely linked to gender equality.

In WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work and Preventing and responding to sexual misconduct WHO’s strategy (2023-2025), SDC wiII pay particular attention to the following outcomes:

1. A stronger WHO: more efficient, more effective, better able to support countries. 
2. Progress in Zero tolerance for sexual misconduct as a hallmark (WHO's organizational goal).
3. One billion more people enjoying better health and weII-being by addressing determinants of health and reducing risk factors through multisectoral action 

Switzerland will continue to engage with WHO in order to advance specific outcomes as follows:

1. Accountability system and governance is strengthened, and the best possible support to prevent and deal effectively with all Gases of irregularities is provided, including cases of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH). 
2. Increased scientific collaboration, using a One Health approach, to facilitate, support, and influence efforts to combat diseases of poverty, foster an effective global research effort on infectious diseases of poverty, and promote the translation of innovation into health impact in disease-endemic countries.
3. Sustainable change in national and international policy and public health programms in relation to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

29th rank (as per biennium 2022-2023) 

1. United Kingdom
2. Norway
3. Denmark
4. Sweden
5. Netherlands
6. Germany
7. Ireland
8. Belgium
9. Australia
10. Switzerland
11. Spain
12. France

Switzerland participates at the WHO Executive Board as a member and at the Programme Budget meetings as a non-member. At the World Health Assembly, each Member State has a seat. In the HRP and TDR respective main governing body, Switzerland/SDC has its own seat.

Other partners: Swiss NGOs (e.g., Medicus Mundi Schweiz), International organizations (e.g., UNAIDS, The Global Fund, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The World Bank. International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).