U.S. President “Donald Trump,” whose country was the largest contributor to funding this UN organization, decided to suspend funding since his return to the White House in January 2025. As a result, the organization was forced to reduce its previously approved budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion.
The organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated during a meeting with member states on Wednesday, “This year has been one of the most difficult in the history of the World Health Organization, as we have undergone a difficult but necessary process of prioritizing and re-orienting (resources), leading to a significant reduction in our workforce.”
He added that the organization has managed to secure 75% of the funding required for the 2026-2027 budget, but it still faces a deficit of $1 billion, noting that its current situation regarding resource mobilization is “much worse than it was.”
It is worth mentioning that member states agreed in May to increase mandatory contributions by 20%. However, the organization still relies heavily on voluntary donations from member states and other donors.
Due to the decline in international aid, thousands of health facilities have been forced to reduce services or suspend operations in areas where humanitarian support is most needed. As a result, the organization found itself forced to prioritize the most vulnerable groups.
(AFP)
