WHO Faces Unprecedented Financial Strains Amid Global Health Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) encountered a year marked by significant achievements and considerable setbacks in its mission to safeguard global health. Amid the ongoing evolution of international health priorities, the organization was confronted by notable funding reductions that have led to both operational challenges and the need for strategic realignment.

A major development came with the introduction of a new international pandemic agreement, the result of extensive negotiations among member states. This accord underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing future global health emergencies. However, the WHO's efforts have been complicated by the announced withdrawal of funding and membership by key contributors, most notably the United States and Argentina. The United States, previously the largest single governmental donor contributing approximately 8.75% of the WHO's total budget, completed its departure, creating a budget deficit estimated at $1.7 billion.

Other significant contributors include the European Commission and Germany, although both have signaled intentions to reduce their financial commitments. The WHO's financial base is a mixture of government funding, private foundations, and international alliances. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is currently the top financial supporter, providing over 13% of the organization's total budget, closely followed by the Gavi Alliance, which specializes in vaccine access and contributes more than 11%.

These widespread funding cuts have already had a tangible impact on global health initiatives. In some countries, particularly within the Global South, essential health services such as maternal care and vaccination programs have experienced reductions of up to 70%. The WHO has cautioned that, without adequate funding, decades of progress in areas like child mortality reduction risk being reversed, with the potential for increased mortality rates for the first time in this century.

To address these financial pressures, the WHO has implemented significant internal cost-saving measures. Plans are underway to reduce the workforce by approximately 2,371 positions, representing around a quarter of the organization's staff. The main headquarters in Geneva will see the most extensive reductions, including substantial cuts to senior leadership roles. Despite these austerity measures, a budget gap exceeding one billion US dollars remains unresolved.

Despite the financial challenges, the WHO reported several medical milestones. Notably, the Maldives achieved the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, a first worldwide. Niger became the first African nation to eradicate river blindness, while Suriname was the first country in the Amazon region to eliminate malaria. Additionally, tuberculosis deaths in Africa and Europe have decreased by nearly half over the past ten years.

Looking ahead, the WHO remains committed to advancing new health priorities. This year, the United Nations adopted a landmark declaration on non-communicable diseases and mental health. The WHO aims to reduce the global number of smokers by 150 million and ensure an equal number gain access to mental health services by 2030. The organization has also emphasized the health impacts of climate change, highlighting that extreme heat events claim over 540,000 lives annually. The frequency and severity of such events are expected to increase, placing further strain on health systems.

In addition, the WHO introduced new guidelines for innovative treatments, including biannual injections for HIV prevention and advanced therapies for obesity management. The organization continues to stress the importance of building resilient health systems and reducing dependency on a small number of donors to ensure sustainable progress toward universal health coverage. The WHO's ongoing efforts reflect its founding vision: achieving the highest possible standard of health as a fundamental right for all people worldwide.