WORLD HEALTH

WHO CHIEF URGES COUNTRIES TO PERSUADE U.S. TO REVERSE WITHDRAWAL DECISION 

WHO CHIEF URGES COUNTRIES TO PERSUADE U.S. TO REVERSE WITHDRAWAL DECISION 
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Faith Nyasuguta

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has called on countries to unite in persuading the United States to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the U.N. health agency. The move, initiated by President Donald Trump, has raised serious concerns among health officials globally, given the substantial role the U.S. plays in WHO’s funding.

During a crucial budget meeting on Wednesday, WHO representatives and diplomats discussed the looming financial crisis caused by the potential departure of its largest donor. According to internal documents obtained by The Associated Press (AP), the U.S. was set to contribute an estimated $988 million for the 2024-2025 budget cycle, making up 14% of WHO’s total budget of $6.9 billion.

A FUNDING CRISIS LOOMS

The leaked budget report revealed that WHO’s health emergencies program is heavily dependent on U.S. funding. In particular, the “readiness functions” within WHO’s European office rely on the $154 million U.S. contribution, covering more than 80% of their operational budget. Across WHO’s emergency operations worldwide, U.S. contributions fund up to 40% of activities, including critical programs in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus /WHO/

Additionally, the U.S. provides:

-95% of WHO’s tuberculosis programs in Europe.

-Over 60% of tuberculosis efforts in Africa, the Western Pacific, and WHO’s Geneva headquarters.

-Major funding for polio eradication, HIV/AIDS programs, and other disease-control efforts.

Michael Ryan, WHO’s Deputy Director-General, warned that the U.S. is not just withdrawing from an organization, but from a global community of nations. He emphasized that the departure would not only weaken WHO but also limit America’s access to critical global health data.

WHO FACES FINANCIAL STRAIN

WHO finance director George Kyriacou, in a closed-door meeting with diplomats, cautioned that if WHO continues spending at its current rate, the agency could face severe cash flow problems by early 2026.

He warned, “Continuing at this expenditure level is unsustainable.”

Furthermore, WHO has struggled to recoup funds from the U.S. for previously allocated budgets, and with the U.S. yet to fulfill its 2024 financial obligations, the agency’s budget deficit is worsening.

Mathew Kavanagh, a global health policy expert, described the situation as dire.“The financial hit will be severe. If the world doesn’t step in to cover the gap, WHO will suffer significant damage,” he said.

Mathew Kavanagh, a global health policy expert /O’Neill Institute/

TRUMP’S JUSTIFICATION FOR WITHDRAWAL

President Trump’s executive order, signed on January 20, his first day back in office, outlined three reasons for the U.S. withdrawal:

1.WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which Trump claims was mismanaged and influenced by China.

2.The agency’s failure to implement necessary reforms.

3.A lack of transparency in WHO’s financial operations.

However, Tedros defended WHO’s response, stating that the organization had warned the world about COVID-19 as early as January 2020 and had since introduced major reforms, including efforts to diversify funding sources. “Bringing the U.S. back into WHO will be crucial,” Tedros emphasized, urging global leaders to engage diplomatically to reverse Trump’s decision.

Donald Trump /Courtesy/

WHAT’S NEXT FOR W.H.O?

Several countries, including Bangladesh and France, have raised pressing questions about WHO’s strategy in handling the loss of U.S. funding. They asked which health programs might face budget cuts and how the agency plans to maintain its global disease surveillance capabilities.

A classified document  suggests that WHO may implement up to 50% budget reductions across key departments if alternative funding is not secured by the end of the year.

Despite the financial uncertainty, some health experts see this as an opportunity for WHO to reassess and strengthen global public health efforts. With the U.S. pulling out, other nations might step up their financial commitments, paving the way for a more independent and resilient WHO.

A GLOBAL APPEAL

Tedros remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will lead the U.S. to reconsider its decision. He believes that with global unity and strategic advocacy, WHO can weather this crisis and continue its mission of protecting public health worldwide. As the deadline for U.S. funding nears, the future of WHO hangs in the balance.

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Faith Nyasuguta

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