About 70% of WHO's budget comes from these voluntary contributions, which makes it difficult for the agency to set its own public health priorities. In 2022, WHO member countries agreed to reform its financing model, aiming to make countries' membership fees about half of its budget by 2030.
The WHO is the U.N.'s specialized health agency and is mandated to coordinate the world's response to global health threats, including outbreaks of mpox, Ebola and polio. It also provides technical assistance to poorer countries, helps distribute scarce vaccines, supplies and treatments and sets guidelines for hundreds of health conditions, including mental health and cancer.
U.S. public health officials were told this week to stop working with the World Health Organization, effective immediately.
Here's a list of WHO's top donors:
U.S.: $958 million
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: $689 million
Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance: $500 million
European Commission: $412 million
World Bank: $268 million
Germany: $324 million
United Kingdom: $215 million
Canada: $141 million
European Investment Bank: $119 million
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