WHO Faces Budget Crisis as US Withdrawal Threatens Funding
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urges global action to address a $400 million shortfall following President Trump's decision to exit the organization.
- The United States, historically the largest donor to the WHO, accounted for 18% of the agency's budget, funding critical programs like tuberculosis and HIV prevention.
- President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, to withdraw the US from the WHO, citing concerns over funding fairness, COVID-19 response, and organizational reforms.
- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has implemented cost-cutting measures, including a hiring freeze and renegotiation of supply contracts, to address the financial shortfall.
- Tedros defended the WHO's reforms and pandemic response, urging the US to reconsider its withdrawal and calling on other nations to step up financial support.
- The WHO's executive board is discussing a proposed $400 million budget cut for 2026-2027, which could impact global health programs and emergency response efforts.
South China Morning Post 
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