The World Health Organization (WHO) is bracing for financial turbulence following the United States’ decision to withdraw its membership, losing its largest financial contributor.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced a series of austerity measures to address the organisation’s precarious financial situation.
In an internal memo to staff on Thursday, Tedros stated, “The announced departure of the US from the WHO has made our financial situation more acute.” Among the measures to be implemented are significant reductions in travel expenditures, a hiring freeze, and a reassessment of health programmes to determine which should be prioritised under the new budget constraints.
US Criticism and Withdrawal
The decision to withdraw from the WHO was one of the first executive orders signed by US President Donald Trump following his inauguration. His administration has criticised the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health emergencies, as well as for its perceived inability to implement necessary reforms and maintain independence.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has disengaged from the WHO. In 2020, the US also announced its departure from the organisation, citing similar concerns. However, this decision was reversed under President Joe Biden, whose administration sought to re-establish the country’s commitment to international health collaboration.
Financial Implications
The US has historically been the WHO’s largest donor, contributing approximately 22 per cent of its budget. The sudden loss of this funding has placed immense pressure on the organisation’s ability to maintain its operations and initiatives. The WHO’s mandate includes coordinating responses to health emergencies, combating diseases, and promoting global health standards, making its financial stability crucial for global health security.
Tedros’ announcement signals a shift in priorities, with some programmes likely to face reduced funding or discontinuation. The organisation’s travel budget, in particular, is set to be significantly curtailed, reflecting broader cost-cutting measures aimed at preserving essential functions.
Challenges Ahead
The WHO has played a pivotal role in addressing global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, and other infectious disease threats. The loss of US funding may limit its capacity to respond effectively to emerging health emergencies and sustain ongoing programmes in areas such as vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance, and public health research.
Observers have raised concerns about the broader implications of the US withdrawal, including its impact on international cooperation in health policy and the potential weakening of global health governance structures. While other member states may step up their contributions to fill the funding gap, the absence of US financial and political support creates significant challenges for the organisation.
Looking Ahead
The WHO’s financial difficulties come at a time when global health challenges remain at the forefront of international concerns. From the ongoing threat of pandemics to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, the organisation’s role in promoting and protecting global health is as critical as ever.
The WHO’s ability to adapt to these financial constraints will depend on its capacity to secure alternative funding sources and streamline its operations. Member states and private donors may need to increase their contributions to prevent disruptions to key programmes and ensure the organisation can fulfil its mandate.
