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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched its annual appeal for $1.5 billion to address global health emergencies, targeting over 300 million people in 42 crisis zones, including Gaza and Afghanistan.
The appeal comes as the WHO faces potential financial uncertainty ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, given the United States’ status as the agency’s largest donor.
“Without adequate and sustainable funding, we face the impossible task of deciding who will receive care and who will not,” warned WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He highlighted the widening gap between growing health needs and available resources.
For the 2024-2025 period, the WHO’s overall budget is set at $6.8 billion, with the US historically contributing about 20% of the agency’s total funding and up to 34% of health emergency funds. During Trump’s first term, his administration cut funding and initiated a withdrawal from the WHO, citing dissatisfaction with the organisation’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived alignment with China. Sources close to Trump’s transition team suggest similar measures could be pursued during his second term.
When asked at the end of last month if the US would leave the WHO, a source familiar with the talks in the transition team said: “The same WHO that we left in the first administration? It seems like we wouldn’t much care what they have to say.”
A WHO document released ahead of its February executive board meeting highlighted the risks of losing key donors, emphasising that just five contributors, led by the US, provide up to two-thirds of the funding for some programmes. The agency relies on a mix of mandatory fees from member states, voluntary contributions, and investment rounds to sustain its operations.
The WHO’s emergency appeal underscores the critical need for continued support, particularly in areas devastated by conflict, natural disasters, and health crises. However, the looming uncertainty over US contributions raises questions about the organisation’s capacity to meet its ambitious goals and provide essential care to millions in need.
Melissa Enoch
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