WHO faces financial crisis as US withdrawal looms, China set to become the top donor

The World Health Organisation is about to encounter a massive financial damage as the United States, its largest contributor, exits by January 2026. This decision by President Donald Trump in January 2025 would burn a hole of $600 million in WHO’s annual budget. This move, according to estimates, will result in 21 per cent less funds for the next two years.

Future strategies to cope with the situation are underway with a new priority list. Functions like vaccine approval and outbreak response have begun. Development of guidelines for major health issues, cutting on programs in wealthier nations and major lay-offs would follow.

After the USA, China is ready to become the biggest contributor, increasing its share to 20 per cent of state fees.


Furthermore, alternative funding channels such as charity organisations and private sector collaborations are also being looked at by the WHO. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a significant donor, has pledged continued support, particularly for initiatives like polio eradication.

For the upcoming World Health Assembly in Geneva, the WHO is focusing on carrying out highly impactful programs and securing new funding sources to throttle through the post US crisis. The assembly is expected to get onto a historic pandemic preparedness agreement and host an investment round to draw additional support.

The US exiting from the WHO marks a major turn, hindering the latter's ability to assess global health crises effectively. The success of the World Health Organisation in dealing with this challenge will deeply depend on its ability to turn in major and various funding sources.