They need the U.S.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing significant challenges after funding reductions from the U.S. and other traditional Western donors. These cuts have raised concerns about the organization’s ability to effectively manage future pandemics. As the WHO convenes for its annual meeting in Lake Geneva, experts like Matthew Kavanagh from Georgetown University note that some countries are using the U.S. funding reduction as an opportunity to reduce their own contributions, particularly in Europe.
This financial strain has prompted questions about whether the WHO can maintain its current operations and respond adequately to global health crises. The organization has already implemented budget cuts, proposing a nearly 22% reduction for the next two years, bringing the budget to just under $4.3 billion. Additionally, the WHO has undergone leadership changes, including the departure of Dr. Michael Ryan, its emergencies chief.
The financial pressure intensified after former President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, citing dissatisfaction with the agency’s COVID-19 response and highlighting that China’s financial contribution is much smaller than America’s. The Trump administration argued the move would save the U.S. around $500 million annually. However, the WHO stressed its vital role in global health security, emphasizing its work in disease detection, prevention, and emergency response, including in areas difficult for others to operate.
Health experts like Dr. Ashish Jha have criticized the U.S. exit, calling it a strategic mistake that leaves a leadership void, potentially filled by China. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has since urged the United States to reconsider its decision, emphasizing that continued U.S. involvement benefits both American health security and global wellbeing. Tedros has called for open dialogue, expressing hope that the U.S. will return to the WHO, noting that staying engaged is in America’s best interest for protecting health worldwide.
