World news: WHO faces budget crisis as US withdrawal cuts $600 million in funding

The World Health Organization (WHO) is planning to cut a fifth of its budget due to a $600 million funding shortfall after the US announced its withdrawal, according to an internal email from WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The US, previously WHO’s largest donor, halted nearly all foreign aid under President Donald Trump’s administration, impacting global health initiatives. Tedros warned that these “dramatic cuts” are disrupting countries, NGOs, and UN agencies, including the WHO.

Even before Trump’s decision, the WHO was struggling with financial constraints. However, the situation has worsened as some nations redirect development aid toward increased defence spending. Despite cost-saving efforts, Tedros admitted resource mobilisation remains challenging.