Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm over a critical funding crisis that threatens to undermine global health efforts, following a dramatic drop in donor contributions and looming budget cuts.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the situation as the most severe financial disruption the agency has ever faced. The crisis intensified after the United States, previously the WHO’s largest single donor, withdrew from the organization in January, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies. The U.S. had contributed nearly 20% of the WHO’s overall funding.
In response, the agency has revised its financial projections, planning to reduce its budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion for the 2026–2027 period—a 21% cut. Internal documents also reveal that job reductions are on the horizon, though the exact impact on staffing remains uncertain. Cuts will affect all areas of WHO operations, from its Geneva headquarters to regional and country offices, with some offices in wealthier countries at risk of closure.
“This is incredibly painful,” Tedros said, warning that the reduced funding will directly harm health systems, especially in the world’s poorest and most vulnerable nations.
Raul Thomas, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Business Operations, revealed that around 25% of the agency’s salary budget is currently unfunded through 2026, making it difficult to predict how many positions will be lost.
Beyond the U.S. departure, Tedros highlighted a fundamental issue in the organization’s funding model: an overreliance on a small number of countries that provide 80% of the budget through voluntary donations. He emphasized the urgent need for more diverse and stable funding sources.
Despite the U.S. withdrawal, Tedros said he remains engaged with American officials, although he has had no direct dialogue with President Donald Trump.
With a nearly $600 million funding gap this year alone, WHO leaders are urging the international community to act quickly. Officials warn that without immediate support, the organization’s ability to handle global health emergencies and maintain essential services could be severely compromised.
