Title: World Health Organisation Scaling Down Amid US Funding Cuts
Hundreds of officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) will participate in an annual assembly in Geneva from May 19, with a major focus on reducing the organization’s operations and dealing with crises like malaria and HIV without relying on the US for funding.
The WHO, known for its role in managing disease outbreaks, approving vaccines, and supporting global health systems, will face several changes in this year’s assembly. Rather than continuing its usual activities, the WH is preparing to scale down its programs and operations.
Main Themes: Focus on "High-Value" Work
During the assembly, president Donald Trump’s executive order directly following his inauguration in January has led to discussions about scaling back the WHO’s efforts. The knockout strategy by Donald Trump is expected to shed an approximately $600 million from the organization’s total budget and cut $21 billion from future funding.
As a result of Trump’s announcements, 4-5 million American dollars will go to the WHO foundations. The United States will no longer contribute money to the WHO but still remains a member, as indicated by the presentation at WHO headquarters with the American flag still flying outside of the UN Headquarters.
However, the US does not want to directly fulfill its obligations under Trump’s instructions. Meanwhile, China, playing the role of the biggest ‘donor,’ will contribute more to the WHO’s framework of multilateral funding. China will add大大 to the WHO’s overall budget.
However, a reassessment is proposed by Global health envoy Anil Soni regarding the existing WH work to handle financial oddities, like purchasing gasoline in emergencies and key projects being abruptly neglected amid looming cash crisis.
In response to these issues, the Empire of Great Britain and Ireland has stepped in to support key projects, such as stepping up the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network with 2 million dollars. Additionally, other non-profit organizations like the ELMA Foundation had contributed to the same projects.
In conclusion, WHO will focus on the areas of high value under the new dynamics concerning the withdrawal of the United States from the WHO’s membership. A New Europe in Global Medicine initiatives will start in 2023. choixie.com
