WHO Chief: Turmoil Creates Opportunity for Reset

Switzerland - Ekhbary News Agency

WHO Chief: Turmoil Creates Opportunity for Reset

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has declared that the dramatic cuts and turmoil experienced by the global health body, particularly in the wake of the United States' withdrawal notice, have paved the way for a fundamental reset. He asserted that this period of crisis has presented a unique chance to forge a leaner, more re-focused WHO, better equipped to address global health challenges.

Speaking at the organization's annual executive board meeting, Dr. Tedros described 2025 as "undeniably one of the most difficult years in our organisation's history." He acknowledged the tightening belts of many donors, a situation that directly impacted the WHO's operational capacity. "Significant cuts to our funding left us with no choice but to reduce the size of our workforce," he stated, confirming that over a thousand staff members have departed.

However, Dr. Tedros framed this workforce reduction not merely as a consequence of financial strain but as a strategic outcome of the WHO's long-standing efforts to diversify its funding base and reduce over-reliance on major contributors. He revealed that the organization's reorientation process is now substantially complete. "We have now largely completed the prioritisation and realignment. We have reached a position of stability and we are moving forward," he insisted.

The WHO chief elaborated on the transformative potential of the crisis. "Although we have faced a significant crisis in the past year, we have also viewed it as an opportunity. It's an opportunity for a leaner WHO to become more focused on its core mission," he explained. This strategic pivot aims to enhance the organization's effectiveness and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving global health landscape.

A key element of this restructuring involves a push for greater financial independence. Dr. Tedros urged member states to gradually increase their membership fees, a move designed to significantly reduce the WHO's dependence on voluntary contributions. The ultimate goal is for membership fees to eventually cover 50 percent of the agency's budget, thereby securing its "long-term stability, sustainability and independence."

He clarified the nature of this sought-after independence. "I don't mean independence from member states. Of course, WHO belongs to you and always will," he stressed. Instead, he defined it as "non-dependence on a handful of donors; non-dependence on inflexible, unpredictable funding; a WHO that's no longer a contractor to the biggest donors." Ultimately, he envisions "an impartial, science-based organisation that's free to say what the evidence says, without fear or favour."

The current executive board meeting, which commenced on Monday and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, is addressing the formal withdrawal notifications submitted by the United States and Argentina. The United States, uniquely among member states, had reserved the right to withdraw upon joining the organization in 1948, provided a one-year notice was given and financial obligations for the fiscal year were met. This provision allows for a procedural exit, underscoring the implications of the US decision.

The implications of a potentially less-funded WHO are significant. For decades, the organization has been instrumental in coordinating global responses to health emergencies, setting standards, and providing technical assistance to countries worldwide. The reduction in its funding base, particularly from a major contributor like the United States, could potentially impact its ability to fund vital programs, respond rapidly to outbreaks, and support health initiatives in low-resource settings.

However, the WHO's proactive restructuring and its emphasis on a more diversified and predictable funding model, driven by member state contributions, signal a strategic adaptation. This approach not only aims to mitigate the impact of funding volatility but also to reinforce the organization's core mandate as an independent, science-driven entity. The success of this transition will hinge on the collective commitment of member states to uphold the principles of global health cooperation and to invest in the WHO as a cornerstone of international public health security.

The emphasis on science-based decision-making and impartiality is crucial in an era often marked by misinformation and political pressures. By striving for greater independence from donor influence, the WHO seeks to bolster its credibility and ensure that its recommendations and actions are guided solely by scientific evidence and public health needs, thereby serving the global community without fear or favor.

Ekhbary News Agency