Impact on WHO Funding
The U.S. withdrawal will affect WHO’s funding, particularly voluntary contributions (VC), which are crucial for specific health programs.
Assessed contributions (AC), which are fixed annual membership fees, ensure basic operations but are seen as disproportionately high by the U.S.
The loss of U.S. VC contributions will significantly impact WHO’s ability to function, as U.S.-linked donors may also reduce funding.
Challenges Facing WHO
WHO faces criticisms for being bureaucratic and slow, but global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance and climate change demand a stronger WHO.
Despite its flaws, WHO's role in global health is critical, especially for low- and middle-income countries.
Need for Global South Engagement
Countries in Asia and Africa need to step up and help fill the funding and expertise gap left by the U.S.
Regional platforms like BRICS could support WHO's funding, and countries like India, Ethiopia, and Ghana should invest in training experts for global health.
The global south should share expertise in diseases specific to their regions, enhancing WHO’s capacity to address global health issues.
Proposals for WHO Reforms
WHO should streamline operations by moving headquarters to a regional office (e.g., Brazzaville or New Delhi) to reduce costs and focus on regions most in need.
Countries in the global south should collaborate to create regional institutions for training experts, strengthening global health capacity at a lower cost.
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