At their 2025 meeting in Geneva, Commonwealth health ministers committed to long-term, equitable health financing, with a strong focus on innovation, primary care and support for vulnerable nations.
At the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in Geneva, leaders from across the Commonwealth endorsed a strategic blueprint to strengthen health systems for 2.7 billion people. Held ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly, the meeting emphasised equitable, resilient, and inclusive financing frameworks to address the growing strain on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Commonwealth Secretary-General the Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus urged countries to move from fragmented short-term fixes to long-term investment in primary health care, digital tools, infrastructure, and the health workforce.
Chaired by the Hon Selibe Mochoboroane of Lesotho, the ministerial gathering called for innovative financing—including blended finance and public-private partnerships—while stressing the importance of regulation and equity. In breakout sessions, ministers examined pressing themes such as climate resilience, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and healthy ageing. The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub was praised for helping countries navigate complex climate funding processes.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to close health coverage gaps and promote sustainable development. These priorities will feature prominently at the upcoming Commonwealth Business Summit in Namibia, linking health to inclusive economic growth.
