In a statement issued by World Bank President Ajay Banga in Washington D.C. on Thursday, it was announced that 1.5 billion people across multiple countries are set to receive health services supported by the World Bank Group by the year 2030.

Banga revealed this information during the spring meetings of the group, emphasizing that this initiative is part of a larger global push to ensure every individual has access to a basic standard of care throughout their life.

Over the past several decades, the World Bank has been instrumental in providing healthcare services to women and children in over 100 countries.

Through streamlined processes and increased collaboration with partners, including the private sector, the 80-year-old institution has been able to expand its reach and make a greater impact in improving global health outcomes.

“The strategy to reach 1.5 billion people is focused on three core elements:

“Expanding focus from maternal and child health to include coverage throughout a person’s lifetime, including non-communicable diseases.

“Expanding operations to hard-to-reach areas, including remote villages, cities, and countries. Working with governments to cut unnecessary fees and other financial barriers to health care.

“To be counted toward this goal, a person must be seen and treated by a healthcare worker via an in-person visit or telehealth,” he stated.

Banga emphasized the importance of offering a fundamental level of healthcare to individuals at all stages of life in order to promote development.

“This ambition will not be realised with a solo effort. It will require partners, a coalition of public and private sector, working together to expand access to health care services,” he noted.

The president of the World Bank noted that currently, two billion individuals worldwide are experiencing significant financial difficulties when trying to afford healthcare services.

” Intertwined challenges such as climate change, pandemics, conflicts, societal ageing, and a projected shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, exacerbate the cycle of poverty and inequality.

“The World Bank Group will combine financing, knowledge, and partnerships to address this challenge.

“All elements of the bank’s financing capabilities are positioned to be called upon depending on a country’s unique need and stage of development to reach 1.5 billion people,” he stated.

Banga explained that in countries facing the greatest challenges, International Development Association funding could help to bring healthcare providers to communities lacking access to healthcare services.

He also mentioned that in middle-income countries, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development would use financing to encourage government investments in health and introduce regulations to advance the country.

He said, “With regulatory certainty and reliable governance in place, it opens the door for more private sector investments, especially in local production of medications and protective gear.

“Strong partnerships will be critical for the World Bank Group to achieve results in health.

“The World Bank Group will fall short if it does not work hand-in-hand—faster and better—with non-government organisations, the private sector, and civil society.

“The group welcomes Japan’s announcement to launch a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Knowledge Hub to enhance health and finance ministries’ capacity, an initiative supported by the Bank and the World Health Organisation,” he mentioned.

The President of the World Bank stated that the objective of providing quality, affordable healthcare services to 1.5 billion people by 2030 exemplified the organization’s dedication to becoming more focused on achieving measurable impact.