The World Health Organization (WHO) has received over $170 million in fresh funding pledges from countries including China, Qatar, Switzerland, and Sweden as it prepares for the expected exit of the United States, its largest donor. This announcement came during the WHO’s annual assembly, where member states also approved increased mandatory contributions to help cover the funding gap left by the US departure.
Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the new pledges as crucial for continuing the organisation’s vital health work amid a challenging global environment. Switzerland pledged $40 million, Sweden $13.5 million, Angola $8 million, and Qatar $6 million, with additional support confirmed from philanthropic groups like the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
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China’s previously announced $500 million pledge was not included in the latest tally, pending final financial arrangements. However, China’s Health Minister emphasized their strong backing of WHO during the ongoing reform process, which aims to reduce the organisation’s reliance on a few major donors.
With the US expected to formally withdraw in January 2026, WHO member states agreed to a 20% increase in mandatory contributions and adopted a revised budget of $4.2 billion for 2026-2027. This shift will position China as the largest state contributor, signaling a notable change in WHO’s funding landscape as it seeks to maintain global health initiatives amid geopolitical and financial challenges.
