31 May 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing a severe funding shortage that could cripple its ability to respond to global health emergencies, according to a newly released report by an independent body. The report paints a grim picture, warning of an “existential risk” to the WHO’s core programs if member countries fail to increase their financial contributions.
The report reveals a critical funding gap within the WHO’s emergency response unit. The organization reportedly struggled to pay staff salaries at the end of 2023 due to a lack of funds. The report predicts this reliance on external support for salaries will likely continue until next June.
Compounding the financial strain is a significant rise in global health emergencies. In 2023 alone, the WHO responded to a record 72 health crises worldwide. These emergencies included conflicts like the Sudanese war and the Ukraine-Gaza conflict, natural disasters like landslides in Turkey and Syria, and large-scale disease outbreaks like cholera.
The report urges member countries to prioritize strengthening their own preparedness for health emergencies. This would allow the WHO to focus its resources on supporting national efforts during crises, rather than solely leading the response.
The report acknowledges the changing nature of global health emergencies. With natural disasters and conflicts on the rise, particularly in countries with weaker healthcare infrastructure, the WHO’s programs face an “existential risk.” The report warns that without increased national preparedness, the WHO may be forced to scale back its critical activities.
While the WHO’s overall budget for 2023 was relatively stable, the report identifies a significant deficit of $411 million specifically within emergency response programs. This deficit represents roughly one-third of the total budget allocated for emergencies.
The report outlines several key recommendation that member countries must increase their financial contributions to support the WHO’s crucial work; national governments need to prioritize building their own preparedness for health emergencies and clearer guidelines are needed for the WHO’s role in long-term health crises, beyond immediate outbreak responses.
The WHO and its member countries are expected to discuss the report’s recommendations in the coming months. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the WHO can effectively address the growing number of global health emergencies and ensure a more resilient future for global health security.
