By Bunmi Yekini
Geneva, Switzerland – May 20, 2025 — In a significant move to strengthen the financial stability of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Member States today approved a 20% increase in assessed contributions, or membership dues, while endorsing a $4.2 billion budget for the 2026–2027 biennium.
This is the second consecutive budget cycle in which Member States have agreed to raise their dues by 20 per cent, signalling continued political will to support a sustainably financed WHO, even as many countries face economic headwinds and fiscal tightening at home.
“This decision is a powerful statement of solidarity and commitment,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We are deeply grateful to our Member States for this profound vote of confidence. Their support ensures we can better protect global health, respond to emergencies, and promote well-being for all.”
The increase is part of a broader strategy agreed upon in 2022 to gradually boost assessed contributions to represent 50% of WHO’s core budget by the 2030–2031 cycle. Just a few years ago, in 2020–2021, these contributions covered only 16% of WHO’s approved program budget, leaving the organisation heavily dependent on voluntary and earmarked funding from a narrow pool of donors.
“This is a vital step toward predictable and flexible funding,” said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO’s Senior Advisor on Strategic Initiatives. “It allows us to plan ahead, invest in long-term priorities, and support Member States more equitably.”
The approved budget of $4.2 billion reflects a 22% reduction from the originally proposed $5.3 billion, underscoring ongoing financial pressures. However, officials emphasised that the revised budget is fully aligned with WHO’s upcoming Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14), which will guide the agency’s strategic direction from 2025 to 2028.
“While we’ve had to scale back our initial proposal, this budget is firmly rooted in the realities of today’s financial landscape and the priorities of tomorrow’s health agenda,” said Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, Deputy Director-General of WHO.
Health experts and advocates hailed the development as a step toward more sustainable global health governance.
“WHO’s ability to function effectively should not be beholden to the generosity of a few,” said Dr. Maria Santos, a global health policy analyst. “This move enhances the organisation’s independence and accountability.”
As the world continues to grapple with persistent health threats and the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials say sustainable financing will be critical to ensuring the WHO’s ability to lead and coordinate international health efforts.
“This is not just about money,” Dr. Tedros added. “It’s about trust, collaboration, and a shared responsibility to safeguard health everywhere, for everyone.”