Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) have announced the launch of the Coalition on Islamic Financing Towards Global Health. Unveiled during a high-level roundtable in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this strategic initiative aims to bridge critical funding gaps in the health sector by leveraging ethical investment tools. The coalition will focus on expanding the use of Islamic financial instruments such as Zakat, Waqf, and Sukuk to support primary healthcare, universal health coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
By aligning global health priorities with the principles of equity, justice, and shared responsibility inherent in Islamic finance, the partnership seeks to mobilise sustainable and predictable resources. The coalition intends to facilitate technical expertise and promote cross-regional learning among Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and beyond. Preparatory consultations are scheduled to commence in early 2026, inviting governments, philanthropies, and private sector actors to collaborate on pro-poor health interventions and health system strengthening.
