WHO Chief Warns Global Health Funding in Deepest Crisis ‘in Memory’

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that global health faces a major crisis as funding declines and severe budget cuts loom. The U.S., previously WHO’s largest donor, withdrew in January, prompting a proposed 21% budget cut for 2026–2027. An internal memo reveals plans to reduce spending from $5.3bn to $4.2bn and make staff cuts, possibly closing offices in wealthier countries. About 25% of the salary budget is unfunded. Tedros emphasized the need to diversify funding, as 80% comes from a few countries. With a $600m shortfall this year, WHO urges donors to act urgently to avoid a collapse in services.