G20 health ministers in Rio pledged support for the WHO Investment Round, signaling unified effort to boost global health financing and pandemic preparedness.

G20 health ministers expressed support for the World Health Organization's Investment Round on Thursday, 19 September 2026, during a meeting chaired by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

Background on the Investment Round

The WHO announced the Investment Round in 2023 as a mechanism to mobilise private‑sector capital for low‑ and middle‑income countries. The initiative seeks to channel billions of dollars into health systems, pandemic preparedness and universal health coverage.

Details of the Rio meeting

Health ministers from the G20 bloc gathered in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil's presidency. The ministers discussed financing gaps, implementation pathways and the role of multilateral partners. Brazil's health minister said, "We welcome the opportunity to mobilise resources that can strengthen health security across our nations."

Analysts' view

According to a recent report by the Global Health Policy Institute, the Investment Round could unlock up to $30 billion in financing if donor commitments are secured by the end of 2027. The institute warned that coordinated policy frameworks will be essential to translate pledged funds into tangible health outcomes.

Next steps

WHO officials confirmed that a donor summit will be convened in early 2027 to finalise funding commitments. The organization also said it will publish detailed guidelines for project selection and monitoring later this year.

The G20 health ministers pledged to align their national health budgets with the Investment Round's objectives and to report progress at the next G20 health summit.