The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing a significant challenge following the decision by the United States to withdraw from the agency. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on global leaders to intervene and persuade the U.S. to reverse its withdrawal, emphasizing the critical information the U.S. will miss out on regarding global disease outbreaks.
At a recent budget meeting, concerns were raised about how WHO would manage without its largest donor. The U.S. contributes an estimated $988 million, representing 14% of WHO's $6.9 billion budget for 2024-2025. The organization heavily relies on American funding for its health emergencies program, with readiness functions in various regions at risk due to potential funding shortages.
WHO's finance director highlighted the financial implications of the U.S. exit, warning of potential cash flow challenges by 2026 if spending continues at the current rate. The U.S. has not settled its owed contributions for 2024, further exacerbating WHO's financial situation.
Despite the U.S. withdrawal, WHO continues to provide some data to American scientists, underscoring the importance of collaboration in global health efforts. WHO is currently engaged in combating outbreaks of various diseases, including Marburg virus, Ebola, and mpox in different regions.
Tedros refuted President Trump's reasons for leaving WHO, citing the agency's early warnings about the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing reforms. He stressed the need for the U.S. to rejoin WHO to ensure access to critical health information and outbreak details.
While experts acknowledge the challenges posed by the U.S. withdrawal, they see an opportunity to reshape global public health. WHO's emergencies chief emphasized the importance of member states stepping in to fill funding gaps left by the U.S., highlighting the collective responsibility in addressing global health crises.
As the international community navigates the implications of the U.S. exit from WHO, the future of global health cooperation and disease response efforts remains uncertain.
