WHO Warns of Unprecedented Global Health Funding Crisis After US Pullout

The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing what it calls the worst disruption to global health financing in living memory, following a sharp drop in international contributions—most notably from the United States.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the statement in Geneva, warning that the agency’s ability to support global health initiatives is now at risk. “We are living through the greatest disruption to global health financing in memory,” he told reporters.

The crisis intensified after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump formally withdrew from the WHO in January, citing alleged failures in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. was previously the organization’s largest single donor, accounting for roughly 18% of its funding.

The WHO has now slashed its 2026–2027 budget proposal by 21%, from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, according to internal documents obtained by Reuters. A significant reduction in staffing is also under consideration to manage a $600 million funding shortfall.

Dr. Tedros called the situation “very painful,” warning that reduced funding will impact health services and lives around the globe, especially in vulnerable countries.