Listen To Story Above

The World Health Organization faces severe financial challenges as it prepares for the complete withdrawal of U.S. funding in January 2025. In response to this impending loss, the UN health agency has reduced its 2026-2027 budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion.

As the organization’s primary financial contributor, providing 18 percent of its total funding, the United States’ withdrawal has created significant strain on WHO’s operations. Even with the substantial budget reduction, the agency still faces a $1.9 billion deficit, causing concern at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

This shortfall compounds the organization’s existing financial troubles, with an additional $600 million already missing from this year’s budget. The situation stems from President Donald Trump’s day-one decision upon returning to office to withdraw from WHO and freeze U.S. foreign aid, including substantial health project funding worldwide.

During the 2022-2023 budget cycle, American taxpayers contributed $1.3 billion to WHO, primarily through voluntary contributions for specific projects rather than fixed membership dues.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently addressed staff regarding the $600 million deficit in this year’s budget. “Dramatic cuts to official development assistance by the United States of America and others are causing massive disruption to countries, NGOs and United Nations agencies, including WHO,” he wrote in an email to employees.

The organization plans to implement job cuts across all levels, including senior leadership positions at its Swiss headquarters. WHO leadership will determine resource allocation priorities by April’s end.

Previously, Tedros had urged Washington to reconsider its significant reduction in global health funding, expressing concern that the abrupt cessation of support could endanger millions of lives.