SWITZERLAND —In a significant move, the member-states of the World Health Organization (WHO) have given their approval for a budget of US$6.83 billion to be allocated to the global health agency for the period of 2024-2025.

This represents an 11% increase compared to the previous budget of 2022-2023.

One of the key aspects of this budget is the implementation of a gradual rise in assessed contributions by member states.

This groundbreaking reform, which aims to achieve a more sustainable financing model for the WHO, was initially endorsed in principle during the World Health Assembly (WHA) held in May 2022.

However, it still required official approval from member states for the increased assessments to be put into effect this year.

The decision to grant this approval was made during a closed-door meeting among member states, as highlighted by Gian Luca Burci, former Chief Legal Counsel of the WHO, during a WHA preview event.

For the previous biennium (2022-2023), the WHO’s budget amounted to US$6.12 billion.

The gradual increase in country assessments is intended to address the current issue of the WHO’s heavy reliance on designated “voluntary contributions,” which refer to funds donated by member-states or philanthropic organizations.

At present, these voluntary contributions account for approximately 84% of the WHO’s total budget.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, along with other high-ranking officials, have long expressed concerns about this funding structure, as it hampers strategic planning and limits control over resource allocation.

During the WHA in 2022, the WHO acknowledged the challenges posed by its over-reliance on voluntary contributions, particularly when a significant portion of these funds is earmarked for specific areas of work.

This situation often creates a mismatch between organizational priorities and the availability of financial resources.

By gradually increasing assessed contributions from member states, the WHO aims to align its budget more effectively with its strategic objectives and reduce its dependence on voluntary funding.

Shifting focus to countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) has directed approximately US$2 billion from its 2024-2025 budget towards advancing the goal of Universal Health Coverage, while another US$1.35 billion will be allocated to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization itself.

The latter allocation includes increased support for countries, including co-financing for United Nations Resident Coordinators.

While the WHO will maintain its own country offices in over 100 developing nations, the UN-wide Resident Coordinator system aims to enhance coordination among various United Nations tasks at the country level.

However, the new budget allocation for countries and regions in 2024-2025 is only slightly higher than the US$1.25 billion allocated in the previous 2022-2023 biennium.

Although countries have welcomed the gradual increase in allocations, African member-states have reiterated their demand that at least 75% of the budget should be directed towards offices outside of the Geneva headquarters.

“We wish to see continued efforts to increase the share of countries and regions in the program budget according to an agreed phased timeline for 2024 to 2027, with an aspiration to allocate at least 75% of the budget to countries and regions,” stated the delegate from Ethiopia, speaking on behalf of the group of 47 sub-Saharan African member states.

Out of the US$6.83 billion budget, a little over 50% will be allocated towards achieving the WHO’s triple billion targets.

Specifically, US$1.96 billion will be dedicated to universal health coverage, US$1.21 billion to protect people from health emergencies, and the remaining US$0.43 billion will be utilized to ensure “healthier lives and well-being” for 1 billion people over the course of two years.

With an allocation of US$0.69 billion, polio eradication has received a 23% increase compared to the previous biennium.

Despite sporadic outbreaks in Africa, North America, Afghanistan, and Pakistan over the past year, polio remains the only public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) designated by the WHO as of Monday.

The WHO’s Special Programmes, including Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, the Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, have been allocated US$0.17 billion, slightly less than the previous allocation of US$0.19 billion.

Member states urge flexibility and transparency in WHO funding and spending

During the discussions on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) budget, member states united in their call for a flexible funding mechanism that prioritizes spending based on specific needs and situations.

Concerns were raised about the lack of flexible funds, and member states expressed their hope for an increase in such funds in the long run through the introduction of replenishment mechanisms, which are currently under discussion.

The delegate for the Republic of Korea highlighted this issue, emphasizing the importance of flexible funding to address evolving health challenges effectively.

In addition to flexible funding, there were demands for greater transparency in how the WHO allocates its resources.

Several countries, including the Philippines, Namibia, and Brazil, called for the disclosure of specific details about projects and programs at the country level in which the WHO is engaged.

Improving transparency, accountability, and administrative measures were seen as crucial steps.

The delegate for Brazil made it clear that without clear improvements in these areas, it would be impossible to justify any increase in assessed contributions.

They also stressed that complete disclosure of information on member states’ expenditures to fellow member states is not only indispensable but also a customary practice followed by UN agencies.

They urged the WHO to follow this path and enhance transparency in its financial operations.

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