Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: The Hindu

Context:

The United States government issued an executive order to withdraw from membership of the World Health Organization (WHO).  

Why did the United States decide to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO)?

The U.S. decided to withdraw from the WHO due to several reasons:

• They criticized the WHO for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic.
• They felt the organization failed to adopt urgently needed reforms.
• They believed the WHO was unable to demonstrate independence from the political influence of certain member states.
• The U.S. argued that its financial contributions to the WHO were disproportionately high compared to other countries, particularly China, which contributes significantly less despite its larger population.

What is the impact of the U.S. withdrawal on the WHO’s funding?

The U.S. contributes about 20% of the WHO’s total budget, including both assessed and voluntary contributions.

Assessed contributions are mandatory payments from member countries, but these cover less than 20% of the WHO’s total budget.  The United States is the largest contributor, paying 22.5% of the total assessed contributions. China is the second-largest contributor, paying 15%.

Voluntary contributions are additional funds donated by countries and organizations. The U.S. is the largest donor of voluntary contributions. The U.S. contributes about 13% (USD 356.3 million) of the total voluntary contributions. China's voluntary contribution is much smaller, at only 0.14% (USD 3.9 million).  

How has the WHO managed its funding after the U.S. withdrawal?

Despite the U.S. withdrawal, the WHO has secured increased voluntary contributions from other countries and organizations. For example, during the 2024 funding round, countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Spain pledged USD 1.7 billion. This helped the WHO to secure 53% of the USD 7.1 billion it needs for its programs between 2025 and 2028.

How does the U.S. withdrawal affect developing countries like India?

The U.S. withdrawal could negatively impact developing countries like India, which depend on WHO support for various health initiatives.

The WHO provides critical support in India’s efforts to combat diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. It also supports vaccination programs.

A reduction in WHO funding and the loss of U.S. expertise could affect health outcomes in the country.

How can countries in the global south fill the gap left by the U.S. withdrawal?

Countries in the global south, such as India, Brazil, and South Africa, can take several steps to address the funding and expertise gap.

They can collaborate through platforms like BRICS to supplement WHO’s funding.

They should invest in training public health and global health experts, creating a pool of skilled professionals who can support WHO and other countries.

They can establish regional institutions to train experts and reduce dependency on high-income countries.

They should advocate for WHO reforms, such as decentralizing its headquarters to regions like Africa or Asia to reduce costs and focus on pressing health challenges.

What reforms are needed within WHO to address its current challenges?

WHO needs urgent reforms to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy.

Cutting staff and relocating its headquarters to regional offices in places like Brazzaville, Cairo, Manila, or New Delhi, would lower operational costs and align WHO’s focus with the health priorities of Africa and Asia, where the need is greatest.

WHO should diversify its funding sources and reduce dependence on a few high-income countries to ensure more equitable and sustainable financing.

Must Read Articles: 

TRUMP'S US WITHDRAWAL FROM WHO

BROKEN PROMISES IN A WARMING WORLD

Source: 

THE HINDU