GHealth News – At the opening of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that millions are losing access to essential healthcare due to deep funding cuts affecting over 70 countries. Clinics are closing, health workers are being laid off, and patients are facing rising out-of-pocket costs.
The WHO itself is facing a $600 million budget shortfall and expects a 21% funding reduction over the next two years. With the United States scaling back support, China is set to become the organization’s largest financial contributor.
Dr. Tedros called on nations to realign their priorities, stressing that defense spending continues to eclipse investment in global health security. “Countries spend vast sums protecting themselves against attacks from other countries, but relatively little on protecting themselves from an invisible enemy that can cause far more damage.” he said.