World Health Organization: $1 Billion Budget Shortfall for 2026–2027
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it is facing a financial shortfall estimated at around $1 billion within its 2026–2027 budget, following a significant decline in funding, particularly after the United States halted its contributions this year.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing to member states on Wednesday that 2025 was “one of the hardest” years in the organization’s history, explaining that it was forced to carry out a large-scale restructuring of resources and priority-setting, which led to a “significant reduction” in the workforce.
Tedros clarified that the organization has managed to secure about 75% of its upcoming budget, but it remains in a “much worse” position in terms of resource mobilization compared to previous years. Member states had agreed in May to increase mandatory contributions by 20%, yet the organization still relies heavily on voluntary funding.
He noted that the decline in international aid has forced thousands of health facilities worldwide to reduce or suspend services, prompting WHO to redirect its resources toward the most urgent needs.
Regarding cost-cutting measures, Tedros said that austerity steps reduced the number of expected job cuts from 2,900 to 1,282 positions, while 1,089 staff members left through retirement, end of contract, or early retirement.
U.S. President Donald Trump had decided, upon returning to the White House in January 2025, to halt his country’s funding for the organization, noting that the United States had been its largest contributor. The decision resulted in the reduction of the organization’s overall budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion.
