In a recent news development, the United States (US) has declared that it will cease its financial contributions to the World Health Organisation (WHO), amidst the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision comes as the case load worldwide nears the 2 million mark and death toll surpasses 100,000. In an astonishing turn of events, the US, which stands as the highest contributor to WHO funding, contributing almost 15%, has also recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths over any other nation.
Reasons Behind the US Decision
The US Government holds WHO accountable for not effectively containing the early spread of the novel coronavirus. The US claims that if WHO had performed better at the onset of the outbreak, many lives could have been saved. Moreover, the US has criticized WHO as being overly China-centric and has objected to WHO’s criticism of the US’s ban on travel from and to China.
Other Criticisms of WHO
The WHO initially took a stand against restricting travel and trade with China while most nations imposed air travel lockdowns at the first wave of the outbreak. The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee urged countries to be prepared, but did not advise any restrictions on travel or trade. Additionally, according to the National Centre for Disease Control, WHO officials rejected Indian concerns, stating that human to human transmission was not taking place.
Impact of the US Decision on WHO
The loss of approximately 15% of its total funding will undoubtedly affect WHO’s operations globally. However, unless other countries follow suit with the US, the impact may not severely disturb WHO’s activities.
International Reactions to the US Stance
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed his disapproval of the US decision, stating that WHO’s role is essential in fighting the global COVID-19 pandemic. India, on the other hand, has responded cautiously without an official statement, focusing its efforts on handling and controlling the outbreak.
Funding and Expenditures of WHO
The WHO relies on funding from countries, non-profit organizations, and various UN organizations. The US contributes almost 15% of the overall funding and approximately 31% of the voluntary donations from member states. In terms of expenditures, in 2018-19 WHO spent around $1 billion (19.36%) on polio eradication, followed by 8.77% on enhancing essential health and nutrition services and 7% on vaccine-preventable diseases.
WHO Funding Allocation to Different Regions
The American continent received $62.2 million for WHO projects, whereas African countries received $1.6 billion and South East Asian countries, including India, received $375 million.
WHO’s Decision-Making Process and Priorities
Spending priorities are determined during the annual World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva attended by delegates from all member states. Decisions are made based on the health situations in respective countries.
WHO’s Involvement in India
India became a part of the WHO Constitution on 12th January 1948. Today, WHO plays a significant role in India’s health initiatives such as the immunisation programme, combating Tuberculosis and neglected diseases like leprosy, and kala azar, and executing nutrition programmes across states.
WHO and India’s Collaboration During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, WHO has been closely working with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and various state governments. However, India has primarily established its own pandemic response, including reluctance to mass testing, enacting early travel restrictions, and imposing lockdowns. While WHO advised against mandatory mask usage, India advocated for universal use of masks.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024