The World Health Organisation (WHO) seems to be in financial trouble as it is turning to its other member countries for funding. The WHO chief on Monday appealed to member countries to support its “extremely modest” request for a $2.1 billion annual budget by putting that sum into perspective next to outlays for ad campaigns for tobacco or the cost of war.
“Two-point-one billion dollars is the equivalent of global military expenditure every eight hours,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Two-point-one billion dollars is the price of one stealth bomber, to kill people.”
While speaking to the WHO’s annual assembly, he also added that $2.1 billion is one-quarter of what the tobacco industry spends on advertising and promotion every single year, which he emphasised was a product that kills people. “It seems somebody switched the price tags on what is truly valuable in our world,” he said.
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(WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948 to promote global health. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO operates in over 150 countries, aiming to ensure the highest possible health standards for all people. Its functions include monitoring health trends, developing policies, offering technical assistance, and coordinating international health responses. WHO addresses both infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Governed by the World Health Assembly, WHO is led by Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and funded by its member states.
Tedros reportedly made no specific reference to the U.S. cuts but has said previously the U.S. pullout was a “mistake” and urged the Capitol to reconsider.
As one of the largest contributors, U.S. funding supports key initiatives like disease control, health emergencies, and global health programs. Without this financial support, WHO may face challenges in responding quickly to health crises and maintaining its global health priorities. The organization would likely become more reliant on other countries or private donors, which could affect its independence and decision-making.