GERMANY – Boehringer Ingelheim has entered into a significant partnership with the WHO Foundation, pledging US$5 million to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations in the Americas, particularly those at increased risk of suicide.
This financial commitment is aimed at bolstering the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Fourteenth General Programme of Work, which spans from 2025 to 2028.
Through this collaboration, Boehringer Ingelheim and the WHO Foundation aim to emphasize the critical need for equitable healthcare services on a global scale, particularly in the space of mental health.
WHO Foundation CEO Anil Soni remarked, “WHO’s mission of Health for All can only be achieved with the combined commitment of the public and private sectors.
Boehringer Ingelheim recognizes this and is meeting WHO’s call to action by making a pledge of predictable and flexible resources.”
Soni added, “Moreover, by donating to WHO for the first time, Boehringer Ingelheim is broadening the base of WHO’s supporters, affirming WHO’s essential role in global public health.”
Addressing the mental health crisis
Médard Schoenmaeckers, Global Head of Corporate Affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim, expressed concern over the limited access to mental health resources.
He 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.”
The partnership will support evidence-based interventions designed to promote equitable access to healthcare and prevent suicide among high-risk populations in the Americas.
As mental health continues to emerge as a pressing global issue, the collaboration aims to provide essential resources to create a lasting impact in the communities that need it most.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to mental health research
Boehringer Ingelheim has a long-standing commitment to investing in mental health research, aspiring to redefine healthcare to enhance outcomes for individuals with serious mental health conditions.
The company is actively involved in various initiatives, such as the Friendship Bench project in Zimbabwe, which trains grandmothers as volunteer therapists in an evidence-based mental health program.
Both Boehringer Ingelheim and the WHO Foundation are focused on mobilizing additional resources to improve mental health access and equity.
The partnership seeks to catalyze greater support from industry and philanthropy, pooling resources to enhance outcomes for individuals globally.
Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
In addition to its focus on mental health, Boehringer Ingelheim has also formed a partnership with the NCD Alliance to advance health systems strengthening, emphasizing equitable access to care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
NCDs are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting at least one in three people, yet half of the global population lacks essential health services.
Katie Dain, CEO of NCD Alliance, highlighted the urgency of addressing NCDs, stating, “Through this partnership, we have a unique opportunity to showcase successful examples of health system strengthening for the NCD response, particularly addressing health equity and reaching underserved communities.”
Boehringer Ingelheim and Circle Pharma recently entered a research partnership and licence agreement to develop a new precision cancer treatment.
