In a sun-lit conference room overlooking Lake Geneva, a small Belgian delegation sat down with World Health Organization experts for three days of honest, forward-looking conversation. By the time they left, both sides had out a stronger path together — one that could touch millions of lives across Africa and beyond.
The talks brought together Belgium's federal government along with representatives from the Flemish and Walloon regional governments, all gathered under the leadership of Christophe Payot, Belgium's Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva. They met with WHO leadership and technical experts from headquarters and from the Regional Offices for Africa and Europe.
At the heart of the discussions was a simple but powerful idea: everyone, everywhere should be able to get the health care they need without going broke. Both Belgium and WHO agreed to push harder on universal health coverage — meaning reliable hospitals, trained doctors, and affordable medicines for all.
Belgium has been walking this road alongside WHO for years. During Belgium's presidency of the European Union's Council in 2024, the country championed global health issues on the world stage. Now, officials wanted to see exactly how that support was making a difference on the ground. They heard updates about work in Mozambique and Senegal, where Belgian funding helps WHO deliver real results — from vaccine programs to community health clinics.
One major topic was access to medicines. Too many people still cannot afford the drugs that could save their lives. Belgium funds WHO's Access to Medicines programme, which works to shape markets and make treatments cheaper and more available. The partners discussed how to keep this effort going for the long haul, so it does not fizzle out after a few years.
They also talked about preparing for the next pandemic before it starts. The talks covered WHO's work on health emergencies, including a look at ongoing response efforts in Gaza. There was serious discussion about biological risks and zoonotic diseases — illnesses that jump from animals to humans — and how to stop them before they spread.
Another bright spot: mental health. Even though it does not always make headlines, WHO is working to weave mental health support into everyday primary health care. The delegates heard how this approach can reach more people in places where mental illness still carries heavy stigma.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, WHO's Assistant Director-General for External Relations, thanked Belgium for its honesty and commitment. "Your efforts in supporting our work in Mozambique and Senegal are clear examples of the crucial work we accomplish together," she said.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed their renewed partnership will feed into WHO's 14th General Programme of Work — a global health roadmap that puts universal health coverage at its center. Belgium's Director of Thematic and Multilateral Cooperation, Dirk Brems, said it well: the two partners recognize WHO as trustworthy, and together they are ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.