📄Frank, in-depth discussion as Belgium and WHO map ahead priorities for collaboration

In a three-day strategic dialogue, Belgium and WHO reviewed progress in their longstanding partnership, and agreed to further boost their collaboration on universal health coverage, health-systems strengthening and equitable access to essential vaccines, medicines and health technologies. The Belgian delegation – headed by H.E. Christophe Payot, Ambassador of Belgium to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva – discussed issues of strategic importance, exchanged views on how to smoothly align WHO strategic directions and Belgium's development cooperation priorities in the context of an evolving global health landscape. The partners exchanged updates on Belgium's support to global health areas brought in the spotlight during the Belgian presidency of Council of the European Union in 2024. WHO was represented by leadership and technical experts from Headquarters and from the Regional Offices for Africa and for Europe. "After listening to the leaders and experts of WHO we now better understand how they are navigating these challenging times", said Mr Koen Van Acoleyen, Minister Counselor at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the UN. "We are honoured that we can walk this road together." Accelerating equitable access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies The partners reviewed the current status and the most noticeable results achieved by the Access to Medicines programme funded by Belgium. WHO illustrated its work and challenges with an example of country-level implementation in Senegal. It also explained WHO's policies and work on equitable access and local production. Both parties recognized a shared goal for sustainability of the Access to Medicines initiative, as market shaping is key to ensure long-term success. Health emergencies and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response Discussions covered WHO's role in strengthening the global architecture for health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience, including the pandemic agreement negotiations and the One Health approach. WHO's crucial field work on health emergency response was demonstrated by presenting the activities in Gaza. The debate also touched upon threats posed by acceleration of biological risks and zoonoses, along with WHO engagement, in particular, risk mitigation. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Elaborating on progress made on UHC-Partnership, the participants reviewed results achieved by WHO with Belgium support in the period 2021-2024, specifically in Belgium's partner countries. They discussed the way forward, exploring the potential for enhanced collaboration at country level, including eventual alignment between WHO country office programmes and Belgium's country level bilateral cooperation. Examples included a summary of the work and challenges at country level from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The visitors listened to a recap of WHO's policies and work on mental health in the context of primary health care. The partners also reviewed progress in other areas of collaboration on WHO programmes supported by Belgium, such as Neglected Tropical Diseases and Sexual, Reproductive Health and Rights. The review underpinned the importance of an evidence-based approach in these areas. WHO appreciates Belgium's commitment and engagement, displayed by the participation of representatives of the country's Federal government as well as the Flemish and Walloon governments. "We thank you for your support, honesty, and strong engagement for global health", said Dr Catharina Boehme, Assistant Director-General, External Relations and Governing Bodies. "Your efforts in supporting our work in Mozambique and Senegal are clear examples of the crucial work we accomplish together". Looking into the future The partners discussed ways forward for the Belgium-WHO collaboration framework and multi-year agreement, including progress towards a renewed WHO-Belgium Country Cooperation Strategy. The enhanced collaboration between Belgium and WHO will support a strong global health agenda under the WHO 14 th General Programme of Work (GPW14). There was a shared vision that UHC and health systems strengthening being at the heart of GPW14 ambitions will be taken as essential scope in WHO's ongoing prioritization work. "We recognize WHO as a trustworthy partner in global health. We felt proud hearing how crucial our support is to the Organization and how it is having a positive impact at country, regional, and global levels", said Mr Dirk Brems, Director of Thematic and Multilateral Cooperation, Directorate-General Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. "It's important we continue these discussions as we tread uncharted territories, and we look forward to working together for strong and sustained multilateralism". Belgian delegation from the Federal government, as well as Flemish and Walloon governments with WHO representatives, 2-5 March 2025. Photo by: WHO/Christopher Black