The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a critical alert about the impact of cuts to international aid and dwindling funding on the global health landscape. In a session of the WHO Executive Board held in Geneva on Monday, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the alarming trends in health systems worldwide, exacerbated by pandemics, drug-resistant infections, and the struggles of vulnerable health services.
Tedros noted that the workforce reductions seen over the past year were a direct consequence of significant funding cuts, resulting in serious repercussions for health systems across many nations. He characterized 2025 as potentially one of the most difficult years in the organization’s history, emphasizing that sudden decreases in bilateral aid have severely disrupted health services in multiple countries. While WHO continues to operate essential programs, these funding challenges have laid bare the vulnerability of global health systems, particularly in low and middle-income nations that already face obstacles in delivering critical services.
The financial pressures faced by WHO reflect a broader decline in international health financing, forcing countries into difficult budgetary choices. To combat these reductions, the organization is collaborating with various nations to maintain essential health services while fostering a transition towards self-sufficiency through domestic resource mobilization strategies, which include health taxes on products like tobacco and sugary beverages.
Despite WHO’s efforts, the scale of unmet health needs remains staggering. According to estimates, 4.6 billion people lack access to necessary health services, leaving 2.1 billion facing significant financial strain due to medical expenses. Moreover, the global health workforce anticipates a shortfall of 11 million professionals by 2030, with a considerable deficit among nurses.
Tedros acknowledged that WHO has managed to stave off a more severe financial crisis owing to an uptick in assessed contributions from member states, allowing the agency to lessen its dependence on voluntary funding. Through systemic reforms, WHO has secured approximately 85 percent of the resources needed for its core budget for the 2026-27 period. However, he cautioned that closing the remaining funding gap will prove increasingly difficult in the current landscape of global financing.
On a positive note, there have been some significant advancements, including the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement and the amendment of International Health Regulations, both aimed at enhancing global preparedness in the aftermath of COVID-19. The organization has also improved disease surveillance and implemented AI-driven epidemic intelligence systems to help countries navigate a multitude of health emergencies in 2025.
Tedros highlighted a troubling trend, noting that one in six bacterial infections globally is now resistant to antibiotics, a situation that is worsening in different regions. He emphasized the need for solidarity in tackling these global health issues. In a poignant reminder, he underscored that without sufficient and predictable financing, the world may struggle to confront future health crises effectively. He concluded with a compelling message about the importance of collective action: “This is your WHO. Its strength is your unity. Its future is your choice.”