The World Bank Group, in collaboration with international partners and participating countries, has reported notable progress toward its target of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to 1.5 billion people by 2030.
In a statement released during an online briefing, the World Bank said 15 countries have launched National Health Compacts—strategic, five-year plans designed to strengthen primary healthcare, improve affordability, and create employment opportunities linked to the health sector.
Since April 2024, these initiatives have already reached 375 million individuals, with efforts ongoing in approximately 45 countries to scale proven primary care models.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasised the critical role of primary healthcare systems, stating that robust health infrastructure not only safeguards communities but also drives economic growth by supporting jobs and local industries.
The 2025 Global Monitoring Report, unveiled at the Tokyo Universal Health Coverage (UHC) High-Level Forum, revealed that 4.6 billion people worldwide still lack access to essential health services, while 2.1 billion face financial difficulties due to health costs.
These figures highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term reforms to build resilient and equitable healthcare systems.
The countries that introduced National Health Compacts include Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Syria, Tajikistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Zambia.
Each compact outlined country-specific reforms, including workforce expansion, digital integration of health services, facility modernisation, insurance coverage expansion, and enhanced financing for health systems.
Nigeria, for instance, planned to train 10,000 pharmaceutical and biotech professionals, establish Centres of Excellence, and offer tax incentives to boost local production of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic technologies.
Regulatory bodies would also be strengthened through digital systems aligned with global standards.
To support these reforms, the World Bank, Gavi, and the Global Fund have committed $2 billion in co-financing.
Additional support from philanthropic partners through the Global Financing Facility and the Health Systems Transformation and Resilience Fund is expected to mobilise up to $410 million for priority health initiatives.
Japan, the United Kingdom, and other international partners are also providing technical assistance, including the launch of the Universal Health Coverage Knowledge Hub to facilitate evidence-based solutions and peer learning.
The UHC High-Level Forum, co-hosted by the Japanese Government, WHO, and the World Bank, brought together health and finance ministers, business leaders, global health organisations, philanthropies, and civil society to chart a collaborative path toward universal healthcare.
