As part of its commitment to the global initiative to build stronger primary health care and health systems resilience, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), headquartered in Jeddah, has announced that an important grant allocation of $10 million to World Health Organisation (WHO) to implement the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP).

The HIIP represents a groundbreaking collaboration among Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), WHO, and countries in need of robust health and climate solutions. This initiative focuses on the investment in essential, climate and crisis-resilient primary healthcare services and systems. It aims to reinforce the health system, especially in low- and middle-income countries and in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to foster resilience against emerging health threats and climate challenges.

The $10 million grant from IsDB will specifically support the technical assistance that WHO provides to countries around the world to assess investment needs and to design the most impactful health projects. These projects will serve as the foundation for co-investment by the MDBs, ensuring that resources are directed toward areas with the greatest potential for positive health outcomes.

In addition to the grant, IsDB's contribution is projected to unlock at least $500 million in health investments across the region. This collective goal is part of a broader effort to mobilise a total of $1.5 billion in concessional loans and grants, focusing on critical areas, this way addressing national health priorities.

The 15 countries identified as part of phase one of the Health Impact Investment Platform are:

• Burundi
• Central African Republic 
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Ethiopia 
• Guinea Bissau 
• Jordan
• Maldives
• Morocco
• Senegal
• South Sudan 
• The Gambia 
• Tunisia 
• Zambia