Frank, a detailed discussion as Belgium and who copy priorities to cooperate

In a three -day strategic dialogue, Belgium and who have reviewed progress in their long -standing partnership and agreed to further increase their collaboration on universal health coverage, strengthening health systems and fair approach to basic vaccines, medicines and health technologies.

Belgian delegation – led by He Christophe Payot, the Belgian Ambassador to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva – discussed issues of strategic importance, exchanged views on how to smoothly reconcile strategic directions and priorities of Belgium in development in the context of Global Health.

Partners exchanged updates on support of Belgium with global healthcares that brought in the center of attention during the Belgian Presidency of the European Union Council in 2024, which represented by leadership and technical experts from headquarters and from regional office for Africa and Europe.

“After listening to leaders and experts about who now we better understand how they move in these challenging times,” said Mr. Koen Van Acoleyen, Minister of Advisor in the permanent representation of Belgium to the UN. “We are honored to be able to walk this road together.”

Acceleration of fair access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies

The partners reviewed the current status and the most striking results achieved by the Program Access to the Medicines funded by Belgium. Who illustrated his work and challenges by example of implementation at the country level in Senegal. He also explained who is politics and working on fair approach and local production. Both sides have recognized the common goal for sustainability of the initiative to access drugs, as the market design is crucial to ensure long -term success.

Health emergency and pandemic prevention, willingness and response

Discussions covered the role of who in strengthening global architecture for emergency prevention, willingness, response and resistance, including the Pandemic Agreement and one health approach. Who is crucial fieldwork on an emergency health reaction has proven to be presenting activities in Gaza. The debate also touched threats to accelerated biological risks/zoonoses and the Who engagement, especially in connection with risk relief.

Universal health covering (UHC)

In elaborating progress achieved at the UHC Partnership, participants examined the results achieved and Who with Belgium of Support in the period 2021-2024. They talked about the way forward, exploring the potential for improved cooperation at the country level, such as the eventual alignment between the Who Country program bilateral cooperation at the Belgium level. Examples included a summary of work and challenges at the country level from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Visitors listened to a summary of a policy who also worked on mental health in the context of primary health care.

Partners also examined progress in other areas of cooperation on WHO programs supported by Belgium, such as neglected tropical diseases (TDR) and sexual, reproductive health and rights (HRP research). This supported the importance of access to evidence in these areas.

Who appreciates Belgian dedication and engagement, shown by the participation of representatives of the Federal Government in the country, as well as the Flemish and Valon government. “We thank you for your support, honesty and strong engagement for global health,” said Dr. Catharina Boehme, Assistant General Director, External Relationships and Management Bodies. “Your efforts to support our work in Mozambuk and Senegal are clear examples of key work we achieve together.”

Looking at the future

Partners discussed ways in advance for the framework for the cooperation of Belgium and the multi -year agreement, including progress according to the renewed cooperation strategy in the country.

Improved cooperation between Belgium and who will support a strong global health agent within the WHO 14^th General work program (GPW14). There was a common vision that UHC and health care systems will be at the heart of the GPW14 ambition will be considered a key extent in the work.

“We realize who is a reliable partner in global health. We felt proudly listening to how crucial our support is to organization and how it has a positive impact on Earth, regional and globally,” said Mr. Dirk Brems, director of themed and multilateral cooperation, Directal Developer General and Humanitarian Assistance. “It is important that we continue these discussions as we tread the untreated territories and look forward to working together on a strong and permanent multilateralism.”

^{Belgian delegation from the Federal Government, as well as the Flemish and Wallo Government with representatives of WHO, March 2-5 2025. Photo: WHO/Christopher Black}