# Global Fund and World Bank Group Join Forces to Help Countries Access High-Quality Lifesaving Health Products at Better Value

**GENEVA/WASHINGTON, D.C.** – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) and the World Bank Group yesterday signed a Letter of Intent that will enable countries to use World Bank financing to buy quality-assured health products through [wambo.org](https://www.wambo.org/ "www.wambo.org"), the Global Fund’s online pooled procurement platform.

The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two institutions in December 2025 to mobilize at least US$2 billion in aligned financing over three years and improve access to quality-assured health products. It also marks a further step in expanding access to [wambo.org](https://www.wambo.org/ "www.wambo.org") beyond Global Fund grants. The Global Fund first introduced non-Global Fund-financed procurement in 2017, and its Board mainstreamed the mechanism in 2022. In July 2026, the Board [approved a new policy](/media/c1lf23yo/archive_bm55-05-policy-non-global-fund-financed-procurement-ppm-wamboorg_policy_en.pdf "archive_bm55-05-policy-non-global-fund-financed-procurement-ppm-wamboorg_policy_en.pdf") to expand its use, helping countries transition toward greater self-reliance while sustaining access to affordable, quality-assured health products.

As resources become increasingly constrained and countries take on a greater share of the financing of their health programs, they need procurement solutions that offer competitive prices, quality assurance and dependable supply. This collaboration responds directly to that need. Use of the platform will be a choice made by each country, adding a procurement option alongside national procurement systems and other existing channels.

Pooled procurement combines orders from many buyers to obtain better prices and more reliable delivery from quality-assured suppliers. Each additional buyer increases the pooled volume, providing opportunities for improved prices and supply security for all users. In 2025, the Global Fund managed around US$1.2 billion in procurement, including more than US$1 billion through its pooled mechanism for programs in more than 80 countries. World Bank borrowers will be able to place orders through a streamlined process that meets the World Bank’s fiduciary requirements.

Pressure on health budgets is greatest in the poorest countries. Many of them receive financing from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for them and the single largest source of concessional finance for the poorest countries in the world. Using IDA financing to procure from the [wambo.org](https://www.wambo.org/ "www.wambo.org") platform will help these countries get more health products for their money. Financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) will offer the same option to middle-income countries.

The World Bank already enables borrowers to procure through United Nations agencies. The collaboration with the Global Fund expands this approach by giving borrowers an additional procurement channel. The two institutions share a commitment to make their financing work together, reduce duplication and ensure the multilateral system delivers more for countries. This work also contributes to the World Bank Group’s goal of helping countries deliver quality, affordable health services to 1.5 billion people by 2030.

“As countries take the lead in financing their health programs, they should be able to buy lifesaving medicines at the best possible price and quality, whatever the source of funds,” said **Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund**. “By working together, the Global Fund and the World Bank can help every dollar of country financing go further.”

“Behind every health budget are patients waiting for medicines that must arrive on time,” said **Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group**. “Efficient procurement makes that possible, with lower prices, dependable supply and faster delivery. Using World Bank financing in this way means more mothers, children and families get the care they need and brings us closer to our goal of reaching 1.5 billion people with quality, affordable health services by 2030.”