Government agrees to increase funding for WHO

The Government jointly decided today to restore its funding for the World Health Organization to the 2015 level, which was EUR 5.5 million.

The WHO is leading the global effort to prepare for and respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finland is Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of the WHO and supports a strong WHO.

Last year, Finland’s basic contribution to the WHO was EUR 1.9 million and it provided EUR 0.75 million in programme support. In addition, Finland made other membership-based contributions to WHO bodies totalling EUR 0.9 million. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for Finland’s contributions.

This year, the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has also granted EUR 1 million in funding to the WHO’s COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.

Global problems can best be solved by working together. Finland therefore advocates consistently on behalf of a more effective and stronger multilateral order. This is also a key objective of the Government Programme.

Inquiries: Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), Prime Minister's Office, tel. +358 295 160306 and Päivi Sillanaukee, Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295163356