In 2023, the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly, having considered the report by the Director-General on sustainable financing, requested the Director-General to develop the draft Fourteenth General Programme of Work, 2025–2028 (GPW 14) in consultation with the Member States, as the technical strategy to underpin the first WHO investment round in the last quarter of 2024. GPW 14 is to replace the Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019–2025 (GPW 13) one year early, include a financing envelope and strong results narrative, and draw on lessons learned from GPW 13. The draft GPW 14 is currently open for consultation, inviting Member States to contribute insights and refine the program further.
Mission and Strategic Goals: The core mission of GPW 14 is to champion health and well-being for all. The program articulates six strategic goals, organized into three pillars: Advancing Health, Ensuring Access, and Safeguarding Against Threats.
• Advancing Health:
1. Responding proactively to climate change as the paramount health threat.
2. Integrating health into key policies to address the root causes of ill health.
• Ensuring Access:
3. Advancing primary health care and essential health system capacities for equitable health outcomes.
4. Enhancing equity and quality in health service coverage and financial protection to move towards universal health coverage.
• Safeguarding Against Threats:
5. Proactively preventing, mitigating, and preparing for emerging health risks.
6. Rapidly detecting and effectively responding to health emergencies of all kinds.
Significance in the Current Landscape: The launch of GPW 14 is particularly significant amidst ongoing health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating climate-related health threats, and persistent health inequalities. The program acknowledges the intricate linkages between health and broader developmental objectives, aiming to inspire collective action at all levels.
Implementation Approach and Progress: WHO’s contribution to the program’s objectives will be executed through fortified leadership, enhanced technical support, community empowerment, fostering an enabling environment, optimizing operational efficiency, and robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms. Collaborative efforts with partners, communities, and health workers will ensure effective implementation. WHO will contribute to achieving the program’s objectives through various ways:
• Strengthening leadership and coordination: WHO will engage and coordinate with United Nations and other health partners to support national efforts in achieving the objectives outlined in the program.
• Providing technical support: WHO will provide technical leadership and coordination in health and humanitarian emergencies. This includes supporting the delivery of essential health services, enhancing surveillance and outbreak detection, and ensuring culturally sensitive and sustainable operations.
• Enhancing community engagement: WHO will work closely with communities and community health workers, providing them with training and resources. Their efforts will be integrated into broader health responses.
• Creating an enabling environment: WHO will utilize its leadership, normative, and technical products to create an environment that supports the program’s outcomes. They will engage in high-level forums, advocate for specific policies and investments, and collaborate with civil society and community organizations.
• Optimizing efficiencies and synergies: WHO will work with partners to align efforts and ensure the efficient and effective use of available resources. They will set a clear global roadmap and provide authoritative advice on interventions, priorities, and areas for action.
• Monitoring and accountability: WHO will monitor progress towards the program’s objectives, including the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. They will enhance joint accountability for results at all levels.
Next Steps and Comprehensive Document: This consultative process is already underway, with the first consultation with Member States held in August, and further consultations with countries are scheduled over the coming 4 months until the next Executive Board session in January 2024. GPW 14 will be considered for approval by the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly in 2024, through the Program, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board at its thirty-ninth meeting and by the Executive Board at its 154th session. For comprehensive details and active participation in the consultation process, refer to the official GPW 14 document here.
As WHO intensifies efforts to address global health challenges, the GPW 14 stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication to forging a healthier, more resilient world.
WPA Contributes Patient-Centric Perspectives to WHO’s GPW 14 Development
As an active participant in the consultation process, WPA aims to contribute to the development of GPW 14 by highlighting key areas such as patient rights, accessibility to essential treatments, mental health support, and the integration of patient-driven initiatives into the broader global health agenda. By sharing reservations and recommendations, WPA seeks to ensure that GPW 14 reflects the comprehensive needs of patients and aligns with the overarching goal of advancing health and well-being for all.