A powerful open letter, endorsed by current and former directors, as well as members of WHO Collaborating Centres, has called for urgent global solidarity and support for the World Health Organization (WHO), warning that the sudden freeze in health funding is jeopardising millions of lives worldwide.
The letter [HERE] expresses deep concern over the abrupt reduction in official development assistance, which has triggered massive disruptions across WHO country offices. According to a recent rapid survey by the global health agency, a staggering 80% of its field offices have reported interruptions in at least one key area of operation. Critical health interventions—from vaccination campaigns and tuberculosis treatment to maternal and child health services—are being severely undermined.
“The withdrawal of support violates the fundamental bioethical values embedded in WHO’s constitution—human rights, equity, and universality,” the signatories emphasized. “There are no adequate transition plans in place to protect care and clinical services. Millions are at risk.”
The letter highlights WHO’s historic achievements, including its leadership in eradicating smallpox, tackling major disease outbreaks, and ensuring life-saving aid in zones of conflict and natural disasters. Yet, it notes that the organization now faces “considerable operational challenges,” just when its presence is most needed.
Particularly hard hit by the funding cuts are programs related to humanitarian aid, emergency preparedness, disease surveillance, and basic healthcare delivery. WHO continues to assist the hardest-hit countries to shift from aid reliance to sustainable, domestically financed health systems, but the transition is steep and uncertain without consistent international support.
The open letter warns that slashing public health budgets in the name of short-term savings is “immoral and misguided.” Experts argue that such moves ultimately result in long-term economic damage due to increased disease burden, higher treatment costs, and decreased productivity. A World Bank study cited in the letter reveals that every dollar invested in pandemic preparedness can yield up to 88% in returns annually by preventing economic catastrophe.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recent Ebola and mpox outbreaks, remind us that health security is a shared global responsibility. Weakening WHO undermines our collective ability to detect and respond to threats before they escalate into global crises,” the letter states.
The signatories are calling on governments, donors, and global partners to recommit to WHO’s constitutional mandate: to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
“WHO remains a vital lifeline for the world’s most vulnerable populations. Now is the time to strengthen—not abandon—our shared commitment to global health,” they concluded.
