Fewer donations, more needs. WHO seeks a billion for health crises

The World Health Organization (WHO) is asking for $1 billion for emergency health situations this year, which is a third less than last year, as funding from donors declines and there are doubts about contributions from its former main donor, the United States.

"We are focusing on those who need it most, where we can save the most lives," Executive Director Chikwe Ihekweazu said at a briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, adding that the funds would go to 36 emergency situations, including Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.

"We are deeply concerned about the enormous needs and how we will meet them," he said. Ihekweazu denied that the WHO would withdraw completely from any crisis. "In each of these contexts, we may not have done as much as we would have liked," he admitted.

The US officially left the WHO on January 22, accusing the global health organization of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO defends its record.

In the past, the United States has been a major contributor to the WHO's emergency appeal, which relies on voluntary donations, and to its broader budget, which is partly based on mandatory membership fees.

Ihekweazu noted that Washington was not the main donor of emergency aid last year, naming the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and Germany as the largest contributors.

(reuters, max)