WHO chief sees US withdrawal as chance for agency reform
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organisation, said that the United States’ decision to exit the agency has provided an opportunity for the WHO to become more focused and efficient. He described 2025 as a particularly challenging year for the organisation, with significant funding cuts and workforce reductions. Tedros emphasised that the crisis has also been a chance to reset the agency’s priorities and strengthen its independence. He called on member states to increase their membership fees to ensure the WHO’s long-term stability.
Highlights
- The United States, traditionally the WHO’s biggest donor, issued its one-year withdrawal notice in January 2025 and has not paid its 2024 or 2025 dues, owing around $260 million.
- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that 2025 was “undeniably one of the most difficult years in our organisation’s history,” with 1,241 posts cut and 1,162 staff leaving or set to leave.
- The WHO’s executive board meeting, which opened Monday and runs until Saturday, will discuss the withdrawal notifications of the United States and Argentina.
- The US flag at WHO headquarters has been taken down, with the US mission in Geneva stating the flag was “on its way back” to the United States.
- Representatives from Israel, Bulgaria (for the EU), and Haiti commented on the politicisation of the WHO and the urgent need for global health reforms.
