WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said donations have dropped sharply across the board.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that global health is at serious risk as donors support dryness and severe budget cuts.
WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Thursday that the agency is facing "the biggest disruption in global health financing in memory" as donations plummeted across the board.
The crisis deepened the United States, formerly the group's largest funder, and he pulled out in January, saying the Health Bureau made the Covid-19-19 pandemic and other international health crises inappropriately. The United States has previously covered one fifth of the WHO budget.
In response, the WHO revised its financial plan, expanded its current spending and proposed a 21% cut in the 2026-2027 budget cycle.
Internal memo seen by news agency Reuters outlined a decline from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion, as well as a large number of employee cuts.
"Of course, it's very painful," Tedros said, warning that budget cuts will directly affect health care systems around the world, especially in the most vulnerable countries.
WHO plans to make cuts in all levels of its operations, including its headquarters in Geneva and regional and country offices. Some offices in wealthier countries may be closed completely.
Raul Thomas, Assistant Director-General of Raul Thomas, said 25% of the WHO salary budget still has no funds over the next two years, adding that it is too early to say how many roles are lost, as it depends on staffing level and location.
Despite the pressure on U.S. withdrawal, Tros points to deeper structural problems. Currently, the WHO relies on a few countries to account for 80% of its budget through voluntary contributions. He said the institution must diversify its funding sources to survive in the long run.
Tedros told reporters that he remained in touch with U.S. officials and continued to provide information to them, even though he did not communicate directly with President Donald Trump.
This year alone, the shortage has been short of $600 million, and officials urged donors to act quickly. They warn that without new support, the collapse of the ability to deal with international health emergencies and maintain essential services can be done.