The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have renewed their partnership through a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening health systems and advancing universal health coverage across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries.

The agreement was signed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reaffirming both organisations’ commitment to improving health and reducing inequalities.

The renewed cooperation will focus on four key areas: strengthening primary healthcare and essential health system capacities, including through digital health and innovation; addressing the wider determinants of health through cross-sector policies; improving access to health services and financial protection; and supporting climate-resilient and sustainable health systems.

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The partnership also aims to support countries facing health emergencies, climate-related challenges and persistent inequalities. Both organisations will continue high-level advocacy, multi-stakeholder dialogues and the development of evidence-based health policies using WHO guidance and standards.

“This strategic partnership between WHO and the Commonwealth Secretariat has a dual purpose: to strengthen health systems for the long term while helping countries respond to urgent health threats,” said Dr Tedros. “By combining WHO’s technical expertise with the Commonwealth’s unique ability to convene leaders and drive collective action, we will be able to better support countries to protect health, advance universal health coverage, and build resilience for future generations.”

The renewed MoU builds on the organisations’ previous agreement signed in 2022 and strengthens their joint efforts to support resilient, equitable and sustainable health systems across the Commonwealth.

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