WHO’s Global Health Strategy for 2025-2028: A Blueprint for Equity and Resilience

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Introduction: A Bold Vision for Global Health

Imagine a world where 6 billion people enjoy better health. Five billion can access universal health coverage without financial hardship. Seven billion are shielded from health emergencies. All of this by 2028. That’s the ambitious vision of the World Health Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14). It is titled A Global Health Strategy for 2025-2028: Advancing Equity and Resilience in a Turbulent World. Released on March 24, 2025, this strategy builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. It incorporates the successes of GPW 13. It also responds to a global call for health equity. Whether you’re a policymaker, healthcare professional, or simply passionate about global well-being, this plan is a game-changer worth exploring.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key features of GPW 14. We will spotlight its six strategic objectives. We will also explain how WHO aims to save 40 million lives over the next four years. Plus, you can download the official document below to dive deeper into this transformative roadmap.

Key Features of GPW 14: What Makes It Stand Out?

The GPW 14 isn’t just another health policy document. It’s a dynamic, actionable blueprint. It is designed to tackle today’s most pressing health challenges. Here are the standout features:

A Threefold Mission to Save Lives
At its core, GPW 14 pursues a mission to promote, provide, and protect health. This includes addressing disease root causes like climate change, strengthening health systems via primary health care, and enhancing emergency preparedness. The goal? Save 40 million lives by 2028.
Six Strategic Objectives for a Turbulent World
From combating climate change to advancing universal health coverage (UHC), the strategy outlines six clear objectives (see Fig. E1 in the document). These priorities respond to escalating threats like extreme weather, noncommunicable diseases, and pandemics.
Equity and Resilience at the Forefront
Health equity and system resilience are woven into every section. Whether it’s reducing financial barriers or empowering communities, GPW 14 ensures no one is left behind—especially the most vulnerable.
A Robust Results Framework
The document introduces 15 joint outcomes and four corporate outcomes, complete with draft indicators (see Annex). This framework tracks progress, ensuring measurable impact—like 6 billion people enjoying healthier lives.
Global Collaboration and Funding
With a budget of US$11.13 billion, WHO calls for unprecedented international cooperation. The WHO Investment Round aims to secure US$7.1 billion in voluntary contributions to power this vision.

Spotlight on Key Sections: What You Need to Know

The GPW 14 is divided into four parts, each offering critical insights:

Part 1: Health and Well-Being in a Complex World
This section paints a stark picture of today’s challenges. These include climate change, aging populations, and rising inequities. It sets the stage for why urgent action is needed now.
Part 2: A Global Agenda for 2025-2028
Here, WHO lays out its common goal and six strategic objectives. Highlights include tackling climate health risks and advancing primary health care for UHC. The Theory of Change explains how collective action will drive results.
Part 3: WHO’s Vital Contribution
Learn how WHO will lead through health leadership, global norms, and tailored country support. This section underscores WHO’s role at the heart of the global health ecosystem.
Part 4: Optimizing WHO’s Performance
This part details how WHO will enhance its efficiency. It covers everything from sustainable financing to strengthening country offices. It will also improve accountability to deliver on GPW 14.

Why GPW 14 Matters to You

Whether you’re tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or advocating for health equity, GPW 14 brings hope. It offers a clear path forward. It’s not just about numbers. It means 6 billion healthier people, 5 billion with UHC, and 7 billion protected from emergencies. It’s about real lives transformed. With only five years until 2030, this strategy is a critical step to get health-related SDGs back on track.

DOWNLOAD the Official Document

Join the Global Health Movement

The Fourteenth General Programme of Work is more than a document—it’s a call to action. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the WHO Director-General. He emphasizes, “We must act together and act now” to achieve health as a fundamental right for all. Explore the strategy, share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s work toward a healthier, more equitable world by 2028.