A Lifeline for Health: The WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health Unite to Save Lives
May 23, 2025, 11:56 pm
Location: Switzerland, Geneva
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1863
In a world where healthcare disparities often dictate life and death, a new partnership emerges as a beacon of hope. The WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health have joined forces, pledging $12.5 million to enhance emergency care in Africa. This initiative aims to save over 50,000 lives annually, addressing a critical gap in healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries.
The stark reality is that more than half of deaths in these regions could be prevented with effective emergency care. The Basic Emergency Care (BEC) program, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with key partners, is designed to train health workers in essential emergency skills. Since its inception in 2016, it has already trained tens of thousands of health professionals across more than 60 countries. The need for such training is urgent and undeniable.
The announcement came during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where leaders from both organizations underscored the importance of this initiative. The funding will support training in 400 hospitals across three African nations, equipping health workers with the skills they need to respond to acute medical conditions. This is not just a financial commitment; it’s a lifeline for communities in desperate need of improved healthcare.
The partnership also introduces the Lifeline: the Acute Care Action Fund, a consortium aimed at raising a total of $25 million. This ambitious goal will expand the program to 1,000 hospitals in five or more countries. The potential impact is staggering—saving an estimated 50,000 lives each year. This is not merely a statistic; it represents families, futures, and communities that can thrive with better healthcare access.
Previous studies have shown that implementing the BEC program can reduce mortality rates from acute conditions by 34 to 50 percent. These conditions include pneumonia, road injuries, diabetic crises, and postpartum hemorrhage. The evidence is clear: effective training saves lives. The simplicity and affordability of the training materials make it feasible for ongoing education, ensuring that health workers can refresh their skills regularly.
The WHO Foundation’s Chair, Thomas Zeltner, emphasized the critical nature of this funding at a time when global health resources are tightening. The call to action is clear: more partners are needed to join the Lifeline initiative. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With the right support, this program can be a game-changer for health systems in vulnerable regions.
Laerdal Global Health is not new to this mission. As a not-for-profit organization, it focuses on developing scalable solutions for health worker training and clinical care. Their commitment to saving lives in low-resource settings aligns perfectly with the goals of the WHO Foundation. Together, they are poised to make a significant impact on maternal and child health, trauma care, and the treatment of acute conditions.
The partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration. By pooling resources and expertise, they can tackle the complex challenges facing healthcare systems in Africa. The commitment to training health workers is a step toward universal health coverage and health security. It’s about empowering those on the front lines of healthcare delivery.
As the world grapples with various health crises, from pandemics to humanitarian emergencies, the need for robust healthcare systems has never been more apparent. The WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health are addressing this need head-on. Their initiative is a reminder that with the right resources and training, lives can be saved, and communities can flourish.
In conclusion, the partnership between the WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health is a significant stride toward improving emergency care in Africa. The $12.5 million commitment is not just a financial investment; it’s a commitment to saving lives. As they work to expand the Basic Emergency Care program, the potential to transform healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries is immense. This initiative is a lifeline, and it beckons others to join in the effort to ensure that no life is lost due to a lack of emergency care. The time to act is now. Together, we can create a healthier future for all.
The stark reality is that more than half of deaths in these regions could be prevented with effective emergency care. The Basic Emergency Care (BEC) program, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with key partners, is designed to train health workers in essential emergency skills. Since its inception in 2016, it has already trained tens of thousands of health professionals across more than 60 countries. The need for such training is urgent and undeniable.
The announcement came during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where leaders from both organizations underscored the importance of this initiative. The funding will support training in 400 hospitals across three African nations, equipping health workers with the skills they need to respond to acute medical conditions. This is not just a financial commitment; it’s a lifeline for communities in desperate need of improved healthcare.
The partnership also introduces the Lifeline: the Acute Care Action Fund, a consortium aimed at raising a total of $25 million. This ambitious goal will expand the program to 1,000 hospitals in five or more countries. The potential impact is staggering—saving an estimated 50,000 lives each year. This is not merely a statistic; it represents families, futures, and communities that can thrive with better healthcare access.
Previous studies have shown that implementing the BEC program can reduce mortality rates from acute conditions by 34 to 50 percent. These conditions include pneumonia, road injuries, diabetic crises, and postpartum hemorrhage. The evidence is clear: effective training saves lives. The simplicity and affordability of the training materials make it feasible for ongoing education, ensuring that health workers can refresh their skills regularly.
The WHO Foundation’s Chair, Thomas Zeltner, emphasized the critical nature of this funding at a time when global health resources are tightening. The call to action is clear: more partners are needed to join the Lifeline initiative. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With the right support, this program can be a game-changer for health systems in vulnerable regions.
Laerdal Global Health is not new to this mission. As a not-for-profit organization, it focuses on developing scalable solutions for health worker training and clinical care. Their commitment to saving lives in low-resource settings aligns perfectly with the goals of the WHO Foundation. Together, they are poised to make a significant impact on maternal and child health, trauma care, and the treatment of acute conditions.
The partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration. By pooling resources and expertise, they can tackle the complex challenges facing healthcare systems in Africa. The commitment to training health workers is a step toward universal health coverage and health security. It’s about empowering those on the front lines of healthcare delivery.
As the world grapples with various health crises, from pandemics to humanitarian emergencies, the need for robust healthcare systems has never been more apparent. The WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health are addressing this need head-on. Their initiative is a reminder that with the right resources and training, lives can be saved, and communities can flourish.
In conclusion, the partnership between the WHO Foundation and Laerdal Global Health is a significant stride toward improving emergency care in Africa. The $12.5 million commitment is not just a financial investment; it’s a commitment to saving lives. As they work to expand the Basic Emergency Care program, the potential to transform healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries is immense. This initiative is a lifeline, and it beckons others to join in the effort to ensure that no life is lost due to a lack of emergency care. The time to act is now. Together, we can create a healthier future for all.