Close Menu
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Trending

Warning new Covid variant dubbed ‘Stratus’ is ‘rapidly spreading’ throughout the UK

July 4, 2025

Woman is fined after paying someone in good faith to get rid of her rubbish

July 4, 2025

Neighbours from hell are kept out of their house for another three months

July 4, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Se Connecter
July 4, 2025
Euro News Source
Live Markets Newsletter
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Euro News Source
Home»Health
Health

WHO Director-General Requests International Support to Encourage US Reconsideration of Withdrawal.

News RoomBy News RoomFebruary 3, 2025
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Copy Link Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram

The World Health Organization (WHO) is grappling with a significant financial crisis following the US withdrawal from the organization, a decision enacted by former President Donald Trump. This withdrawal translates to a loss of approximately $988 million, representing 14% of the WHO’s total budget for 2024-2025, making the US the single largest contributor. The financial repercussions are far-reaching, impacting numerous critical health programs globally, particularly those addressing health emergencies. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has appealed to world leaders to urge the US to reconsider its withdrawal, emphasizing the detrimental consequences for global health initiatives.

The reliance of WHO programs on US funding is substantial, with the health emergencies program being particularly vulnerable. The “readiness functions” within the WHO’s Europe office, for instance, depend on US contributions for over 80% of their funding. Moreover, a significant portion of the agency’s large-scale emergency operations, covering up to 40%, is funded by the US. This includes vital responses to crises in regions like the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. The withdrawal also threatens to severely curtail progress in combating diseases like polio, HIV, and tuberculosis, with programs facing significant funding shortfalls. The impact on tuberculosis work is particularly acute, with the US covering 95% of such efforts in Europe and over 60% in Africa, the Western Pacific, and the WHO headquarters in Geneva.

The financial strain on the WHO is further compounded by the US government’s refusal to settle outstanding contributions for 2024, pushing the agency into a deficit. Attempts by the WHO to recoup past expenses have been largely unsuccessful, as the US has declined to release these funds. The situation has been exacerbated by the immediate cessation of collaboration between the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO, further hindering the organization’s capacity to address ongoing health crises. These ongoing crises include outbreaks of Marburg virus, Ebola, and mpox in various countries, demanding immediate and sustained attention and resources.

The rationale behind the US withdrawal, as stated by former President Trump, centered on accusations of WHO mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic, a failure to implement necessary reforms, and disproportionately high financial contributions from the US. However, the WHO Director-General has countered these claims, highlighting the organization’s early warnings regarding the pandemic’s potential dangers and the implementation of numerous reforms since the outbreak began. He underscored the importance of the US rejoining the WHO, emphasizing the vital role it plays in global health security and urging member countries to advocate for its return.

Internal discussions within the WHO reveal the gravity of the financial crisis and the difficult choices ahead. A proposed option includes drastic budget cuts across all major departments and offices, potentially reducing their funding by half by the end of the year. Member countries have expressed concern and have inquired about specific strategies to mitigate the loss of US funding and the potential impact on various health programs. Germany, in particular, has voiced alarm, comparing the situation to a “house on fire” that requires immediate attention.

While the US withdrawal undoubtedly presents a significant challenge, some experts view it as a potential catalyst for reshaping global public health governance. They argue that the current WHO funding model, heavily reliant on contributions from a limited number of wealthy nations, is unsustainable and requires a more equitable and diversified approach. The departure of the US, despite the immediate crisis it creates, could potentially spur a necessary restructuring of global health financing and leadership. It is noted that despite its significant contribution to the WHO, the US allocates less than 1% of its health budget to the organization, prompting calls for more substantial and consistent funding from wealthy countries for global health initiatives.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email

Keep Reading

Eating lots of red meat, other inflammatory foods during pregnancy raises risk of childhood diabetes

Health July 2, 2025

With new tobacco rules, Greece wants to stop parents from sending children to buy cigarettes

Health June 30, 2025

Greek health authorities issue alert after man dies of rare tick-borne illness

Health June 30, 2025

Heatwaves are coming to Europe. Here are 5 ways extreme heat can affect your health

Health June 30, 2025

Will we ever know for sure how COVID-19 began? Not without more data from China, WHO says

Health June 30, 2025

A child died in a food poisoning outbreak in France. How can you stay safe from E. coli?

Health June 27, 2025

Police seize €57 million in illegal Ozempic, peptides, and other black market drugs in global bust

Health June 25, 2025

French doctors warn of health risks tied to heavy metal in bread, cereal, and other everyday foods

Health June 24, 2025

Cannabis use doubles the risk of dying from heart disease, researchers warn

Health June 18, 2025

Editors Picks

Woman is fined after paying someone in good faith to get rid of her rubbish

July 4, 2025

Neighbours from hell are kept out of their house for another three months

July 4, 2025

Police officer, 38, who died suddenly on duty is pictured for first time as tributes pour in

July 4, 2025

Girl, 1, dies in hospital after police called to ‘concern for child’ at Sheffield home

July 3, 2025

Latest News

Families evacuated from circus during live show after lorry bursts into flames

July 3, 2025

Neighbour from hell plunged kitchen knife into woman’s liver after bitter row takes horrifying turn

July 3, 2025

Roar like a Lioness! England squad share the words that inspire them as they defend Euros title

July 3, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Europe and World news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram
2025 © Euro News Source. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below.

Lost password?