Never before has Norway given such high priority to global health. The Government has proposed an allocation of nearly NOK 3 billion to support global health efforts in 2015, further developing Norway’s engagement and leadership role in this field.

‘A healthy, educated population is essential for economic growth and development in any country. Norway’s aid, including funding for health, is to be used to support national priorities, not compensate for a country’s failure to set priorities in a responsible way,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

In its budget proposal, the Government has advocated an increase of NOK 150 million for global health efforts, which would bring the total allocation up to more than NOK 2.9 billion. The aim is to contribute to the achievement of the health related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

‘Norway has taken on a leadership role in the field of global health, and has influenced global and national priorities to the benefit of people in poor countries. In our further efforts to promote global health, we will increase focus on innovation, results-based financing, national responsibility and synergies with other actors,’ said Mr Brende.

Read the full story at webpage of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway >>>

Photo: Yngve Ask/Innovation Norway