WHO holds board meeting as U.S. withdrawal blows hole in budget
The executive board meeting of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday was set to take on an atmosphere of crisis as it grappled with the consequences of the looming withdrawal of the U.S.
Since President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to exit the WHO on his first day back in office, there has been an atmosphere of alarm at the UN agency’s headquarters in Geneva.
The U.S. is by far the largest contributor to the WHO. In 2024, its share of the budget was 18 per cent.
It now appears inevitable that jobs and health programmes will have to be cut to cover the funding gap.
The U.S. was represented on the executive board, which has 34 members and is the highest decision-making body of the WHO during annual general meetings.
The U.S. withdrawal was due to take effect on January 22, 2026, but the new administration in Washington has instructed its officials to cease cooperation with the WHO with immediate effect.
The WHO hoped that other countries would consider increasing their contributions.
The mandatory contribution of all 194 WHO member states was based on a country’s economic strength.
When Mr Trump withheld funds for the WHO during his first term in office, Germany stepped in and was the largest contributor in the 2020–2021 budget period.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Hot news Home top
Iran puts Trump in coffin on giant billboard
An inscription splashed across the coffin says, “We Will Kill Trump,” in both Persian and English. Another message on the billboard says, “In memory of Minab’s children.”
Economy
Africa risks losing $300 billion blue economy potential, BRACED chair warns
BRACED boss noted that Africa’s blue economy has an estimated annual value of more than $300 billion if properly harnessed.
Sport
Argentina v Spain: Will Messi ‘bathe’ Yamal in 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday?
In 2007, Messi, 20, Barcelona’s budding star, was paired with five-month-old Yamal in a charity calendar photo shoot put together by Barcelona’s foundation.
Education
Lack of practice, mentorship hampering engineering sector’s progress: NBTE
NBTE boss noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway were designed offshore.
Africa
Religion central to West Africa’s stability, military readiness: USAFRICOM
The command chaplain of the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), Kevin Forrester, has described spiritual readiness as a foundational pillar of military success.
Economy
Jack-Rich, Trump seek closer U.S.-Nigeria ties
Mr Trump endorsed Mr Jack-Rich’s call for closer engagement, saying Africa possesses extraordinary economic potential that should not be overlooked by the U.S.
