China Becomes WHO’s Largest Donor with Historic $500 Million Pledge
China has officially become the largest state donor to the World Health Organization (WHO), following a significant commitment of \$500 million over the next five years. The announcement was made during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong.
This financial boost arrives at a critical moment for the WHO, which has been grappling with budget shortfalls after the United States withdrew its funding. Once the organization’s primary contributor, the U.S. had halted support, creating a \$600 million deficit—the most severe financial crisis the WHO has faced in over a decade.
Notably, the United States was absent from this year’s Health Assembly, breaking a 76-year streak of participation. This absence has raised concerns about America’s future role in global health governance.
Meanwhile, the WHO approved a reduced budget of \$4.2 billion for 2026–27, trimming down from the initially proposed \$5.3 billion. To stabilize its finances, member states agreed to a 20% increase in mandatory contributions over the next two years. Other nations, including Qatar and Switzerland, have jointly pledged an additional \$170 million.
Vice Premier Liu emphasized the importance of multilateral collaboration, stating, “Today’s world faces growing health security challenges, and only through cooperative efforts can we overcome them.”
As the WHO navigates financial constraints, experts warn that staff reductions and scaled-back programs could hinder its ability to respond effectively to global health emergencies.
