The World Health Organization may not only be losing funding from its biggest contributor but also from a potential increase in much-needed flexible funding from its member state countries.
In 2022, WHO member states acknowledged the importance of assessed contributions — fully flexible dues paid by member states — for the organization's sustainable financing. They set an aspirational goal to gradually increase these contributions, aiming to reach $2.182 billion by 2029 or 2030.
WHO member states approved an initial 20% increase in member dues in 2023, and the organization is now proposing another 20% increase of $229.6 million for 2026-2027. However, some member states have expressed reservations over the proposal.