WHO Warns of Historic Challenges to Global Health Funding Amid US Withdrawal

The World Health Organization (WHO) faces unprecedented funding challenges as donor countries, notably the United States, reduce their financial contributions, Arab News reported. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the “greatest disruption to global health financing in memory” during a press conference on Thursday.

The US, which contributes approximately 18 percent of WHO’s budget, officially withdrew from the agency in January, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. This departure has intensified a funding shortfall worsened by cuts in development spending from other member states.

To address a nearly $600 million income gap this year, the WHO has proposed a 21 percent budget reduction for 2026-27, from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, alongside staff cuts, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters. Tedros warned these measures would severely impact global health outcomes.

Separately, WHO’s Deputy Director General Michael Ryan condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, citing severe malnutrition and increased risks of pneumonia and meningitis among children due to ongoing aid blockades and strikes.