WHO Member States Approve 20% Increase in Dues, Endorse $4.2 Billion Budget for 2026–27 to Bolster Global Health Security.
Geneva:
In a significant step towards sustainable global health financing, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today approved a 20% increase in assessed contributions—the membership dues paid by countries—as they collectively endorsed the Organization’s US$ 4.2 billion budget for the 2026–2027 biennium.
This decision marks the second consecutive 20% hike in member contributions, following the initial increase under the 2024–25 budget. It comes amid ongoing global economic challenges, and reflects strong international support for WHO’s leadership in health governance, emergency preparedness, and health systems strengthening.
A Vote of Confidence in WHO’s Mission
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and senior WHO officials expressed gratitude to Member States, calling the approval a “profound vote of confidence” in the organization’s mandate and future direction.
“This decision reinforces Member States’ commitment to health for all and their trust in WHO as a pillar of global health security and resilience,” said Dr Tedros.
The approved budget aligns with the Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14), which sets WHO’s strategic agenda from 2025 to 2028. This is the first budget fully developed under the new framework.
Addressing Structural Funding Challenges
For years, WHO has faced systemic funding limitations, with a heavy dependence on voluntary contributions from a narrow pool of donors. In the 2020–2021 biennium, assessed contributions made up only 16% of WHO’s core budget, limiting the agency’s ability to engage in long-term planning and respond effectively to global health needs.
Recognizing these shortcomings, WHO launched a Transformation initiative in 2017, and in 2022, Member States agreed to a historic reform: to gradually increase assessed contributions so that they comprise 50% of the core budget by 2030–31.
Revised Budget Reflects Economic Realities
The originally proposed 2026–27 budget of US$ 5.3 billion was revised down by 22% to US$ 4.2 billion, due to mounting financial constraints across governments. Despite the downscaling, today’s endorsement signals a collective determination to sustain WHO’s global operations and health priorities.
WHO will use the approved funding to advance efforts in pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, mental health, non-communicable diseases, and other areas outlined in GPW 14.
Global Solidarity Amid Economic Strains
In the face of financial headwinds, today’s decision underscores an enduring global consensus: that investing in health systems and WHO is vital for safeguarding international peace, development, and well-being.
The increase in assessed contributions is expected to enhance predictable and flexible financing, empowering WHO to respond with agility to emerging health threats and long-term health system challenges.
As WHO enters a new strategic cycle with GPW 14, the strengthened financial foundation marks a hopeful chapter for international health cooperation and global health equity.
