WHO Members agree to 20% fee hike amid US funding cut

SWITZERLAND—The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to receive a much-needed boost in funding from its member countries, who have agreed to increase their annual membership fees by 20%.

This decision comes at a critical time for the organization, which is facing significant financial shortfalls following the planned withdrawal of the United States, historically its largest donor.

The membership fees, known as “assessed contributions,” are a fundamental source of income for the WHO.

However, they have traditionally covered only a small fraction of the organization’s overall budget.

The majority of WHO’s funding has come from voluntary contributions, including donations from governments, philanthropic foundations, and private donors.

With the new fee structure, member states will collectively contribute an additional US$90 million each year, providing a more stable financial foundation for the organization.

Despite this increase, the WHO’s budget for the 2026-2027 period has been set at US$4.2 billion, which is notably lower than the previous target of US$5.3 billion.

The organization explained that this reduction was necessary due to ongoing “financial constraints.”

It also marks a significant decrease from the US$6.8 billion budget for 2024-2025, reflecting the financial challenges the WHO is currently facing.

 The organization typically approves its budget every two years, allowing it to adapt to changing circumstances.

The financial difficulties have been exacerbated by the impending departure of the United States from the WHO.

Under former President Joe Biden, the US contributed US$1.28 billion to the organization, accounting for approximately 12% of its total budget and far surpassing China’s contribution of US$157 million.

However, current President Donald Trump has prioritized domestic healthcare spending and reduced foreign aid, making his opposition to the WHO clear.

The US has not sent any delegates to the ongoing 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, where the decision to raise membership fees was finalized.

In a statement, the WHO acknowledged that the fee increase comes at a time when many governments are grappling with economic challenges and tight budgets.

Nevertheless, the organization emphasized that the move demonstrates the continued commitment of its member states to global health solidarity and the vital role played by the WHO.

Since 2017, the WHO has been actively seeking ways to diversify its funding sources and reduce its reliance on a small group of traditional donors.

The latest fee increase, which follows a similar adjustment in 2022, is part of a broader strategy to ensure that membership fees will eventually cover 50% of the organization’s core budget by the 2030-2031 cycle.

For context, these fees made up just 16% of the WHO’s budget in 2020-2021. Additionally, the World Health Assembly announced a successful fundraising effort, securing US$170 million in new contributions.

Switzerland, Sweden, and Angola were among the countries making significant pledges. Philanthropic organizations also played a major role, with the Novo Nordisk Foundation contributing US$57 million and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation adding US$13 million.

China, which is expected to become the WHO’s largest contributor after the US exit, also pledged support, though the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

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