The Kobe Group1 has decided to discontinue its support of the WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre - WKC) at the end of the current Memorandum of Understanding, on 31 March 2026.
The Kobe Group has supported the WHO Kobe Centre for 30 years, since the first Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 22 August 1995 as a symbol of recovery after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in January that year.
They formally notified the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, on 21 October 2024 of their decision to discontinue support due to cost considerations and the Centre having achieved its original purpose. In response, Dr Tedros noted and fully respected the donors’ reasons for discontinuing the support from 31 March 2026, and acknowledged that this decision would lead to the closure of the Centre as from 1 April 2026.
“I would like to reiterate the World Health Organization’s appreciation and recognition of the strong commitment of the Kobe Group towards achieving better health for all,” said Dr Tedros.
WKC Director, Dr Sarah Barber, said: “We are very grateful to the Kobe Group for their sustained commitment to our Centre over 30 years, and to the people of Hyogo Prefecture and Kobe City for their support.”
“External reviewers, global advisors and partners have praised the WHO Kobe Centre’s work and contributions to local and global health development. We are proud to have done this with the support of the local donors and community and thank everyone sincerely for this opportunity to advance research for better health and well-being,” said Dr Barber.
The Centre’s current projects and good collaboration with partners will continue to fruition by the end of December 2025.
1Hyogo Prefecture, the City of Kobe, the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kobe Steel Ltd.