The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that cuts to international aid are disrupting healthcare services in at least 70 countries, placing millions of lives at risk, the Independent reported. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus delivered the warning during his address to the World Health Assembly, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of funding reductions by the United States and several European nations.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), historically a major funder of global health initiatives, has seen significant cuts under policies endorsed by President Donald Trump. Other countries including Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have also reduced foreign aid budgets. In the UK’s case, billions of pounds in aid are being redirected, partly due to increased defence spending.
“These cuts have led to patients being denied treatment, closure of health facilities, job losses among health workers, and rising out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare,” Dr. Tedros said. He noted that many health ministers around the world have voiced alarm at the speed and scale of the aid reductions, which are “imperilling the health of millions.”
In addition to declining bilateral aid, the WHO itself faces a 20% budget cut over the next two years, with its proposed $5.3 billion budget for 2026–2027 reduced to $4.2 billion. The budget shortfall follows the United States’ plans to reduce its financial contributions as it prepares to exit the organisation.
Dr. Tedros highlighted the stark contrast between the WHO’s funding gap and global defence spending, noting that the $2.1 billion annual WHO budget is equivalent to only eight hours of global military expenditure.
The funding cuts will result in major internal restructuring within the WHO. The organisation plans to reduce its departments from 76 to 34 in response to the financial constraints. Dr. Tedros stressed that the WHO cannot meet all the expectations of its 194 member states with the current resources.
Despite the crisis, Dr. Tedros pointed to a potential positive shift, saying some nations view the situation as a chance to move toward sustainable self-reliance and reduce dependency on foreign aid.
The WHO member states are expected to finalise an agreement on Tuesday outlining how the international community should respond to future pandemics, amid ongoing debates about global agency power and preparedness.
