The WHO’s Appeal for $1.5 Billion: Concerns Over the US Withdrawal

On January 16, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) made an urgent appeal for $1.5 billion to help fund emergency health responses worldwide. The money will support critical interventions in countries suffering from war, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters—places where healthcare systems have collapsed, and people’s lives are at risk. But as WHO asks for your help, there’s an underlying concern: the role of the United States. With its past decision to withdraw from WHO, the U.S. could once again jeopardize efforts to save lives.

Why is the WHO Asking for $1.5 Billion?

The WHO’s appeal is not just a call for money; it’s a lifeline for millions of people around the world who depend on the organization’s efforts during times of crisis. From conflict zones like Gaza and Afghanistan to the aftermath of natural disasters, WHO is often one of the only agencies stepping in to provide healthcare and supplies where they are needed most. But without the necessary funding, the efforts could grind to a halt. The WHO’s capacity to respond to health emergencies—from delivering vaccines in war-torn areas to providing treatment for disease outbreaks—relies on the financial support of countries around the world.

As of January 2025, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with significant suffering among the population. The conflict, which has been ongoing for over 15 months, has resulted in over 46,000 deaths and extensive displacement.

This ongoing war has caused severe hardship, especially for women and girls, who have lost their homes and loved ones. As winter approaches, there is a critical shortage of food, water, shelter, and healthcare, with famine looming. Many families have been displaced multiple times and are living in overcrowded shelters with poor sanitation, leaving them vulnerable to violence, disease, and infection. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports that families are facing extreme shortages of food, safe water, medical supplies, and shelter.

The US and WHO: A Complicated History

Here’s where things get tricky. The United States has historically been the largest financial contributor to the WHO, accounting for up to 20% of the organization’s budget. For the 2022–2023 budget, the WHO’s total budget was $6.12 billion, highlighting the essential role of U.S. funding for the organization’s operations. But do you remember that in 2020, during Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. withdrew its funding and announced plans to leave WHO altogether?

At that time, Trump criticized WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its relationship with China. He also claimed that WHO had failed to act swiftly enough to alert the world about the virus and had been too lenient toward China. In his eyes, WHO had mishandled the situation, and the U.S. was no longer willing to foot the bill.

So, what if the U.S., the largest contributor, pulls back again? What would happen to the WHO’s ability to operate? The reality is that this withdrawal could create a significant funding gap, making it harder for the organization to carry out its vital work. It would also raise concerns about the future of global health cooperation.

The U.S.’s Withdrawal

During Donald Trump’s presidency, the United States made several significant moves that reshaped its role in global cooperation. Most notably, the U.S. withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), prioritizing an “America First” approach over multilateral trade agreements. Trump also decided to exit the Paris Agreement, arguing it unfairly burdened the U.S. economy, thus distancing America from global climate change efforts.

Additionally, the U.S. pulled out of UNESCO, criticizing its stance on Israel. These actions marked a clear shift in U.S. foreign policy, raising questions about the long-term impact on international relations and global stability. Would stepping back from such influential organizations weaken global cooperation?

The US’s Role in WHO’s Future

When President Joe Biden took office, he reversed Trump’s decision to withdraw from WHO. The U.S. rejoined the organization and resumed its funding commitments. But we can’t ignore the possibility that future U.S. administrations may change their stance. If the U.S. were to pull back from WHO again, it would leave a massive void in funding—something the WHO simply cannot afford.

That’s why the WHO’s $1.5 billion appeal is so important. It’s not just a call for help—it’s a reminder that global health is everyone’s responsibility. The U.S. has an important role to play in this effort, but it’s not the only country that can make a difference. Every nation must step up and contribute to global health initiatives. If we want a safer, healthier world, we must all work together.

The Bigger Picture: Global Cooperation Matters

The WHO’s appeal for $1.5 billion isn’t just about money—it’s about collective action. It’s about countries coming together to support an organization that works tirelessly to save lives, prevent the spread of disease, and improve global health outcomes. The U.S. plays a central role in this, but it’s not alone in this responsibility. Every country, including the U.S., must prioritize global health cooperation.

If you are in the U.S., or if your friends or family are there, imagine a scenario where they can’t receive support or funding due to the country’s withdrawal from international organizations. You wouldn’t want to wonder if things could have been different had the U.S. maintained its connections with other countries, would you? This is why it’s crucial to stay informed about the U.S. government’s actions.

Moreover, as I mentioned earlier, many people, including small children, are suffering from food and housing insecurity due to conflicts and wars. We need to support protective campaigns. There are numerous ways to help, and conserving the environment has a significant impact. Supporting carbon credits to reduce or offset CO₂ emissions is one way we can make a difference. Let’s take action together!