The World Health Organization (WHO) member states are set to discuss a $400 million budget cut following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States—the agency’s largest government donor.
Speaking at the WHO executive board meeting, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus defended the agency’s work and urged the US to reconsider its exit, stating:
“We would welcome suggestions from the United States, and all member states, for how we can serve you and the people of the world better.”
Key Budget Changes and Discussions
- The 2026-2027 budget will be reviewed during the Geneva meeting from February 3-11.
- A proposal suggests reducing WHO’s base programme budget from $5.3 billion to $4.9 billion, part of a larger $7.5 billion budget.
- With the US contributing 18% of WHO’s total funding, the organization acknowledges that “business as usual” is not viable.
Despite financial challenges, some WHO representatives emphasize that the agency will maintain its strategic direction. The proposed $4.9 billion base budget aligns with the 2024-2025 funding levels.
US Withdrawal and Its Impact
- Trump formally moved to withdraw the US from the WHO on his first day in office, a process that takes one year under US law.
- The WHO has already implemented cost-cutting measures in response to the US exit.
The upcoming meeting will determine how WHO adapts to the funding shortfall while continuing its global health initiatives, including polio eradication and emergency response efforts.
