The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have renewed their partnership for another four years, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening health systems, improving healthcare access and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries.

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The agreement builds on cooperation established through an earlier MoU signed in 2022 and focuses on supporting countries in developing stronger, more resilient and equitable health systems.

The renewed partnership comes as countries face a range of complex health challenges, including health emergencies, climate change, healthcare inequalities and pressure on health infrastructure and financing. Through closer collaboration, WHO and the Commonwealth Secretariat aim to help member countries address these challenges through coordinated policies, technical support and knowledge sharing.

Four Key Areas of Cooperation

The renewed agreement identifies four major areas of cooperation.

The first is strengthening primary healthcare and essential health-system capacities to advance UHC. Primary healthcare plays an important role in delivering preventive, diagnostic and treatment services close to communities. The partnership will also encourage innovation and the responsible use of digital health technologies to improve healthcare delivery and accessibility.

The second area focuses on addressing the broader determinants of health. Health outcomes are influenced by social, economic and environmental conditions as well as healthcare services. The two organizations will therefore promote approaches that address the underlying causes of health inequalities and encourage collaboration across sectors.

The third priority is improving health-service coverage and financial protection, with particular attention to health and gender inequalities. Universal health coverage aims to ensure that people can access the healthcare services they need without experiencing financial hardship. Strengthening health financing and reducing barriers to care are therefore essential components of this objective.

The fourth area is the development of climate-resilient and sustainable health systems. Climate change is creating new pressures on public health and healthcare infrastructure. Health systems need to be prepared to continue providing essential services during extreme weather events and other climate-related disruptions.

Building Stronger and More Equitable Health Systems

The partnership will support high-level advocacy, multi-stakeholder dialogue and evidence-based policies. WHO will contribute its technical expertise, scientific guidance and global health standards, while the Commonwealth Secretariat will provide a platform for political dialogue and cooperation among its member states.

Particular attention will be given to vulnerable countries and populations, including Small States and communities experiencing significant health inequalities. Sharing experiences and strengthening cooperation can help countries identify practical approaches suited to their national circumstances.

The collaboration also reflects priorities discussed at the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in May 2025, where health ministers emphasized sustainable health financing, investment in primary healthcare and equitable access to quality health services.

Dr Tedros highlighted the importance of combining WHO’s technical expertise with the Commonwealth’s ability to bring countries and leaders together. Shirley Botchwey similarly emphasized the importance of partnerships in translating shared health objectives into practical action.

Looking Ahead

The renewed WHO–Commonwealth partnership highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in strengthening healthcare systems. Health systems must not only provide routine services but also be capable of responding to outbreaks, emergencies, climate-related events and changing population needs.

Over the next four years, efforts under the agreement will focus on improving primary healthcare, expanding access to essential services, strengthening financial protection, reducing inequalities, promoting digital innovation and building climate-resilient health infrastructure.

The partnership represents a continued commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage across Commonwealth countries. By combining technical knowledge, policy dialogue and international cooperation, WHO and the Commonwealth Secretariat aim to help countries build healthcare systems that are more accessible, equitable, sustainable and resilient, ensuring that people can obtain the health services they need without facing financial hardship.

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