Impact of the work of the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development: biennial report 2024–2025

Overview

The Biennial Report 2024–2025 on the impact of the work of the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development highlights the growing role of the WHO Venice Office as a catalyst for advancing health equity, well-being economies, and resilient societies across the WHO European Region. During the biennium 2024–2025, the Office strengthened its leadership by translating evidence into policy action, supporting more than 30 countries and engaging over 2,300 policy-makers and practitioners in capacity-building initiatives. Through the second Health Equity Status Report initiative (HESRi2), it provided governments with practical tools, data platforms, and policy guidance to integrate equity into governance, budgeting, and health reforms. A major focus was gender equality and the regional Special Initiative on Violence against Women and Girls, which helped countries strengthen health-system responses, legal frameworks, and survivor-centred care. The Office also advanced the well-being economy agenda, promoting new economic models that recognize health as an investment for sustainable growth and social cohesion. Through the Regions for Health Network and the Small Countries Initiative, the Office fostered innovation, crossborder collaboration, healthy ageing, climate resilience, and workforce development. It also helped shaping regional and global policy agendas through partnerships with the European Union, United Nations agencies, and national governments, while deepening strategic collaboration with Italy and its regions. Overall, the report demonstrates how the Venice Office links evidence, governance, and multisectoral action to reduce inequities and advance sustainable development.