Boehringer Ingelheim, in partnership with the WHO Foundation [an organisation set up to support the World Health Organization and its global network of partners by mobilising new funding] has committed $5m to enhance healthcare access for debilitated people in the Americas, particularly those at higher risk of suicide.
The partnership will allow the company to provide financial support to WHO's Fourteenth General Program of Work, covering 2025 to 2028, as part of WHO’s investment round.
Boehringer Ingelheim and the WHO Foundation jointly seek to underscore the importance of funding equitable healthcare services globally, with a particular emphasis on mental health.
WHO Foundation CEO Anil Soni stated: “WHO’s mission of Health for All can only be achieved with the combined commitment of the public and private sectors. Boehringer Ingelheim recognises this and is meeting WHO’s call to action by making a pledge of predictable and flexible resources.
“Moreover, by donating to WHO for the first time, Boehringer Ingelheim is broadening the base of WHO’s supporters, affirming WHO’s essential role to global public health.”
The collaboration aims to support evidence-based interventions that promote equitable healthcare access and prevent suicide in the Americas.
Boehringer Ingelheim's support extends to private initiatives including the Friendship Bench, a programme in Zimbabwe, which utilises grandmothers as participant therapists to deliver mental health support.
Boehringer Ingelheim corporate affairs global head Médard Schoenmaeckers stated: “Limited or no access to help for patients is alarming, especially in underserved communities. We truly look forward to our collaboration with the WHO Foundation and its partners as we want to increase access to life-saving healthcare services.”
Both the WHO Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim are dedicated to deploying additional resources to enhance equitable mental health access.
Boehringer Ingelheim and Circle Pharma recently entered a research partnership and licence agreement to develop a new precision cancer treatment.
