London/Geneva : The World Health Organization (WHO) is bracing for a substantial financial and strategic shift as it convenes its annual assembly in Geneva next week, amid the ongoing withdrawal process of its largest funder, the United States.
The U.S., which contributed approximately 18% of the WHO’s total funding, is set to officially exit the organization on January 21, 2026, following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January this year. The move has triggered urgent internal restructuring and a wave of cost-cutting within the global health body.
Budget Hole of $600 Million and Deep Cuts
According to internal estimates, the WHO faces a $600 million budget gap for the current year and is planning for 21% cuts over the next two years. Efforts to adapt include:
- Downsizing management and programme budgets
- Potentially shuttering regional offices in wealthier nations
- Scaling back on training programmes
- Prioritizing essential services such as outbreak response, new vaccine approvals, and health guidelines
“We’ve got to make do with what we have,” said a Western diplomat familiar with the developments.
Focus Shifting to “High-Value” Activities
WHO’s Director of Coordinated Resource Mobilisation, Daniel Thornton, told Reuters the agency’s focus will narrow to “high-value” work. This includes vaccine regulation, epidemic preparedness, and emergency medical guidelines, while secondary activities are under review.
A WHO slideshow presented to donors indicates non-critical functions may be scaled down or halted to conserve resources.
China to Become Largest Contributor
As the U.S. exits, China is poised to become the largest state funder, with its contribution set to rise to 20% of assessed state fees, up from 15%, following a 2022 funding system overhaul.
“We have to adapt to multilateral organizations without the Americans. Life goes on,” said Chen Xu, China’s Ambassador to Geneva.
Global Donors, Philanthropies Step In
In response to the crisis, philanthropic groups and private donors have stepped up:
- The ELMA Foundation committed $2 million to sustain the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (Gremlin)—a 700-lab surveillance system for infectious disease outbreaks.
- WHO Foundation CEO Anil Soni said the situation presents an opportunity for operational reform, including streamlining publications and emergency logistics.
Pandemic Treaty, Donor Round on Agenda
Aside from budgetary concerns, the Geneva assembly will also:
- Rubber-stamp a historic pandemic preparedness agreement
- Host an investment round to attract donor funding
- Address how WHO can remain effective in the absence of U.S. support
Staff morale remains a concern, with internal emails seen by Reuters asking WHO employees to volunteer as ushers during the assembly—without extra pay.
