WHO in Crisis: Funding Cuts Leave Millions Without Healthcare—China Steps Up as U.S. Exits
(Source: Reuters, May 19, GENEVA)
Millions of people in 70 countries are losing access to medical care because of big cuts in health funding, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday. Hospitals are closing, health workers are losing jobs, and patients are struggling to afford treatment.
The WHO itself is in trouble—it’s $600 million short on its budget and will have to slash spending by 21% over the next two years. The crisis is getting worse as the United States, one of its biggest funders, prepares to pull out. Meanwhile, China is set to become the top financial backer of the WHO.
Why This Matters
- Patients are suffering: People in poor countries can’t get life-saving treatments.
- Hospitals are shutting down: Health workers are being laid off.
- U.S. exit leaves a gap: China is stepping in as the new top funder.
WHO Chief’s Shocking Comparison
Dr. Tedros, head of the WHO, made a striking point: The world spends more on weapons in just 8 hours than the WHO’s entire yearly budget ($2.1 billion).
“Countries spend billions on defense but little on health—even though diseases kill far more people than wars,” he said.
What’s Next?
The WHO is already cutting jobs and programs to save money. But without more funding, more people will die from preventable diseases.
Stay updated on global health crises—follow Reuters for the latest. (Source: Reuters, May 19, Geneva)