WHO struggles financially after US funding cuts leave huge budget gap
- The World Health Organization is appealing for support due to a severe budget gap of $1.7 billion.
- Cuts in funding, particularly from the U.S., have forced the WHO to reduce its budget by 22%.
- This financial crisis could hinder the WHO's operations and its capacity to respond to future health emergencies.
In May 2025, the World Health Organization, based in Geneva, is striving to secure additional financial support following substantial funding cuts from the United States. This situation was largely precipitated by former U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to halt funding to the WHO in January. The organization's chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has described the WHO's appeal for a $2.1 billion annual budget as 'extremely modest' compared to the costs associated with military expenditures and the tobacco industry's advertising practices. Critics question the organization's effectiveness over its nearly 80-year history, claiming that it has insufficiently addressed global health challenges. As the global political landscape shifts towards nationalism and increasing misinformation, the WHO is at a crossroads concerning its future and the multilateral approach needed to tackle pressing health issues effectively. The financial crisis facing the WHO is compounded by several factors. First and foremost, the reduction in funding from the U.S., its historically largest donor, has forced the organization to rethink its budget strategies and fiscal planning. The proposed budget for the next two years has already been cut by 22%, making it evident that the loss of funding is not merely a temporary setback but poses an existential challenge to the WHO's ability to operate effectively on a global scale. Tedros emphasized that while the organization has secured commitments for about 60% of its revised budget, it still encounters a significant funding gap of $1.7 billion that could hinder its operations and response capacity. Furthermore, this crisis comes at a time when a pandemic treaty is being discussed among member states to enhance global preparedness for future health emergencies. While there is a call for member countries to raise their assessed contributions by 20% to bolster WHO financing and lessen reliance on variable voluntary contributions, significant resistance and challenges remain. Therefore, the upcoming World Health Assembly is of heightened importance, with member countries expected to make critical decisions that could significantly impact the WHO's future and its mission to promote health and well-being globally. Tedros and experts are keenly aware of the stakes involved, as the organization works in over 150 countries. The WHO's current plight illustrates the fragility of international health communications and cooperation in a time when accurate health data and resources are more essential than ever. This heightened situation underscores a broader concern regarding global health governance and the sustainability of cooperative international efforts in addressing health crises and emergencies that transcend national borders.