On October 17, 2024, in Geneva, France put its money where its mouth is on global health. Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, representing France at the United Nations in Geneva, met with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at WHO headquarters to sign seven contribution agreements totaling €24 million. That is about 26 million US dollars — a real commitment to helping people stay healthy around the world.
The funding comes from France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and fits into a larger agreement between France and WHO that runs from 2020 to 2025. That framework sets the rules for how the two organizations work together to tackle health problems that cross borders.
A standout part of this package is €4.5 million in what is called "fully flexible voluntary funds." Think of it like giving someone a gift card instead of a tied-up gift — WHO can use that money wherever the need is greatest, rather than being locked into one specific program. That flexibility matters when a disease outbreak flares up suddenly or a crisis demands a quick response.
The money will support several important areas. France will help WHO fight non-communicable diseases, which include illnesses like heart disease and diabetes that are not spread by germs but by lifestyle and genetics. The funding also goes toward urban health labs, which study health problems in crowded cities, and something called One Health — an approach that recognizes human health is connected to animal health and the environment. France is also backing the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, money set aside for fast action when health crises explode, plus specific help for crises in Gaza, cholera outbreaks, and mental health support in Ukraine. France will keep supporting the WHO emergencies center in Lyon, a French city that plays a key role in preparing for and responding to epidemics.
"France remains deeply committed to supporting the World Health Organization in its efforts to tackle critical global health challenges," Ambassador Bonnafont said at the ceremony. Dr. Tedros expressed his gratitude in return, calling France "a steadfast partner" whose contribution would help save lives and protect the most vulnerable.
This signing is not a one-off gesture. France has long been a champion of making sure WHO has enough reliable, flexible funding to do its work. France even helped host WHO's first Investment Round, an effort approved by the World Health Assembly in 2024 to make sure the organization has predictable money for its core mission through 2028. For people everywhere, that partnership means a healthier, safer world is a little bit closer.