The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its annual appeal for $1.5 billion to address health emergencies affecting over 300 million people in 42 crisis zones, including Gaza and Afghanistan. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the urgent need for sustainable funding, warning that without it, the agency faces difficult decisions about who can receive care.
The United States, historically a major contributor to WHO’s budget, provided about 34% of funding for health emergencies in the current period. However, this support may be at risk with Donald Trump’s upcoming second term as U.S. President.
During his first term, Trump reduced WHO funding and announced plans to withdraw the U.S. from the organization, criticizing its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged ties to China.
WHO documents warn that losing any major donor would create a significant funding gap. The organization is funded through member state fees, voluntary contributions, and investments, with the U.S. and a few other donors providing up to two-thirds of funding for some programs.
WHO expressed its commitment to maintaining strong ties with the U.S. and is prepared to collaborate with the incoming administration. However, public health experts urge the organization to prepare for potential funding cuts.
Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, emphasized the need for WHO to acknowledge areas for improvement to strengthen support from key stakeholders.
