One of the primary causes of this deficit is the absence of expected funding from the United States, traditionally one of WHO's major contributors.
According to Raul Thomas, WHO's Deputy Director-General for Operations, the United States, under the Biden administration, has not disbursed the expected $130 million.
For the 2024â€"2025 cycle, the U.S. was supposed to contribute $260 million. However, the situation is complicated by former President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. is withdrawing from the WHO, a decision set to take effect in 2026.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that, in response to the funding gap, staff reductions will be implemented across all levels of the organization, including leadership. Planned activities will also be scaled back.
'These reductions will be carried out carefully, prioritizing essential, high-impact programs that align with available funding. We aim to complete the review of core activities by mid-month, after which we will inform you about which programs will be scaled down and how the changes will be implemented,' he stated.
Founded in 1948, WHO works with over 150 countries to promote global public health. Each year, the organization monitors more than 1,000 diseases and leads various initiatives to protect the health and well-being of people worldwide.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/economy/article/who-faces-2-5-billion-budget-shortfall-for-2026-2027
