Funding Cuts Deprive People in 70 Countries of Medical Care—WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that funding cuts by the United States and other countries are causing severe disruptions to healthcare in at least 70 countries, leaving many patients without access to essential medical treatments. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that these cuts have led to closed health facilities, job losses among health workers, and increased out-of-pocket expenses for patients. The WHO itself faces a budget shortfall of $600 million and a 21% reduction over the next two years, with the U.S. preparing to exit as its largest funder, leaving China to become the top state contributor. Despite the reduced budget of $4.2 billion for 2026-2027, Tedros emphasized the need for increased global health spending, especially given rising defense expenditures, to protect against health threats that can cause greater damage than military conflicts. The funding gaps threaten to reverse progress in disease prevention, maternal care, and emergency responses amid challenges like the COVID-19 fallout, geopolitical tensions, climate change, migration, and conflicts. WHO has already begun cutting its workforce and organizational scope in response to these financial challenges.