The World Health Organization is proposing to slash its budget ambitions for the next two years to $4.2 billion. However, it may need to ramp up its fundraising to fully finance its work.
In a recent presentation to member states, a copy of which was seen by Devex, preliminary figures for WHO’s financial outlook for 2026-2027 show a funding shortfall of over $1.8 billion, or roughly 43% of its targeted budget.
The presentation outlines secured and expected funding for the next two years. Secured funding includes over $1 billion in assessed contributions; $147 million in funding to be carried forward from 2025; and $233 million in signed agreements. Meanwhile, expected funding covers unsigned investment round pledges and projected funds, including those from global health partnerships.
About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
