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WHO Confronts Severe Financial Crisis as Global Health Assembly Opens

The U.N. health agency faces a $1.7 billion funding gap, disrupted services, and leadership changes, with key votes on financing reforms and a pandemic treaty expected this week.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus looks on during a press conference on the World Health Organization's 75th anniversary in Geneva, on April 6, 2023. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, May 24, 2022. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse//File Photo
Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, left, delivers his statement, during the opening of the 78th World Health Assembly at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, May 19, 2025. (Magali Girardin/Keystone via AP)
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the opening of the 78th World Health Assembly

Overview

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) opened its annual assembly in Geneva facing one of the most significant funding and operational challenges in its 77-year history.
  • The U.S. withdrawal and funding cuts, alongside reduced contributions from other Western donors, have left the WHO with a $1.7 billion budget shortfall for its next two-year cycle.
  • WHO has implemented a reduced $4.3 billion budget, cutting 22% of planned expenditures, and announced leadership changes, including the exit of emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan.
  • Delegates are expected to vote on a 20% increase in assessed contributions to stabilize funding and reduce reliance on unpredictable voluntary donations.
  • A proposed pandemic treaty, aimed at ensuring equitable access to vaccines and medicines during future pandemics, is also set for approval, though the U.S. is not participating in the negotiations.