Geneva Update on WHO Financial Issues

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday that individuals in at least 70 countries aren’t receiving necessary treatments due to funding cuts aimed at supporting other programs. The organization is now facing significant financial hurdles.

Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concerns during a speech to the World Health Parliament, stating, “Patients are missing out on treatment, health facilities are closed, health workers are losing jobs, and people are facing increased out-of-pocket medical costs.”

Currently, the WHO is dealing with a $600 million deficit in its annual budget, which is set to be reduced by 21% over the next two years.

As discussions about the MPOX and cholera crises commenced in Geneva, hundreds of WHO officials gathered with donors and diplomats to brainstorm solutions.

China is anticipated to become the largest state donor as the U.S. prepares to withdraw from the organization.

Tedros mentioned that many ministers have reported that abrupt cuts in bilateral aid have severely disrupted health services in their countries, negatively impacting millions.

He emphasized the need for increased global health spending, especially during a time when defense budgets are rising. The revised budget for the next two years stands at $4.2 billion, equating to $2.1 billion annually.

“$2.1 billion is equivalent to global military spending every eight hours,” he pointed out to the delegation.

Moreover, WHO is already implementing measures to scale back its workforce, budget, and scope of work, including a recent reduction of half its senior leadership team.