Several countries, including China, Qatar, and Switzerland, have collectively pledged more than $170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO), the agency announced during its annual assembly on Tuesday. The new funding comes as part of an effort to strengthen the organization’s financial stability amid concerns over the anticipated withdrawal of support from one of its largest donors—the United States.
In addition to the pledges, member states also agreed to an increase in their mandatory contributions, a move aimed at reducing the WHO’s reliance on a few major donors and ensuring sustainable funding for its global health initiatives.
“I am grateful to every Member State and partner that has pledged towards the investment round. In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement.
The financial commitments are part of a broader push to secure long-term resources for the organization, which plays a central role in coordinating global responses to health emergencies, supporting vaccine distribution, and improving public health systems.
While the United States has historically been one of the WHO’s top contributors, changes in its foreign aid priorities and domestic political shifts have raised concerns about the future of its support. The new pledges are expected to help fill the gap and reinforce the agency’s efforts across a range of health challenges, including disease outbreaks, maternal health, and non-communicable diseases.
The assembly continues this week, with further discussions planned around pandemic preparedness, health equity, and reforms to improve the WHO’s efficiency and responsiveness.
