The Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP) has reached a milestone by completing its inaugural Steering Committee meeting
Held on March 17, 2025, the meeting brought together key global stakeholders from the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Investment Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank, who reviewed the platform’s progress and outlined plans for scaling investments in primary health care (PHC) in low- and middle-income countries.
Closing the health financing gap in low-income countries
HIIP was officially launched during the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris in 2023, to address the vast health financing gap many countries face.
With an annual health financing gap of US$ 371 billion for health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a US$ 31.1 billion shortfall for pandemic preparedness, HIIP focuses on mobilising resources for primary healthcare services. Its approach combines technical expertise, financial support, and local knowledge to create sustainable, country-driven investments for vulnerable populations.
Since its launch, the platform has already mobilised over US$ 30 million in investments to support countries in creating investment plans for primary health care. These efforts are designed to generate up to US$ 1.5 billion in funding to build resilience against pandemics and the impacts of climate change.
The platform’s long-term vision is to support countries in strengthening their health systems, ensuring universal health coverage, and preparing for future health crises.
Strengthening primary health care systems
During the Steering Committee meeting, members endorsed key operational documents and reviewed the Concept Notes for several countries, including Burundi, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Morocco, and Zambia. These documents lay the groundwork for expanding PHC investments in these nations. The Committee also approved the Proposal for Action in Ethiopia, unlocking additional funding for the finalisation of Ethiopia’s national PHC investment plan.
The platform’s focus on primary health care is a strategic priority for advancing equitable and sustainable health systems globally. By focusing on primary health care, HIIP aims to ensure that health services are accessible, affordable, and effective for the populations that need them most, particularly in countries with limited resources.
HIIP’s Steering Committee will convene again in May 2025 during the Seventy-Eighth World Health Assembly.
At that time, the Committee will review ongoing progress in Ethiopia and evaluate new country engagements. Moving forward, the platform plans to deepen its work with engaged countries and expand its support to other nations looking to strengthen their primary healthcare systems.
The Health Impact Investment Platform is open to low- and middle-income countries that are operational partners with at least one of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). Governments interested in receiving technical assistance and investment support are encouraged to express their interest through the platform’s official channels.
With primary health care at the heart of its efforts, HIIP offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap in health financing and deliver long-lasting improvements to health systems.
The platform is designed to ensure that resources are effectively directed toward the most urgent needs, helping to build resilient, climate-adaptive, and crisis-resistant health systems for the future.
