During an event in Berlin, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced it has received $700 million in new funding pledges for its 2025-2028 budget. This is in addition to the $300 million already promised by the European Union and the African Union.

Why is this Funding Important?

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that these investments are crucial because strong health systems support not only public health but also the overall stability of societies and economies. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that health issues can disrupt not only healthcare systems but also economies and daily life worldwide.

Who are the Major Donors?

Germany has pledged at least 360 million euros (about $392 million), making it one of the largest donors, alongside the United States. The WHO hopes that more countries will step up, sharing the responsibility of funding its critical work more fairly.

Changes to the WHO’s Funding Model

Historically, the WHO has relied heavily on a small group of large donors. Two years ago, the organization committed to changing its funding model. By the 2030-2031 budget cycle, WHO aims for 50% of its budget to come from mandatory fees paid by member countries. Currently, only 16% of its budget comes from these fees, with the remainder from donations.

Calls for More Support

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that more countries need to support WHO. He pointed out that even small contributions are significant and can ensure the long-term success of global health programs.

About the World Health Organization

The WHO, founded in 1948 in Geneva, has 194 member countries and is one of the largest international organizations. It leads global health efforts, responds to crises, and has been at the forefront of initiatives like the Global Vaccine Action Plan and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and continues to focus on mental health, nutrition, and global health responses.