Countries of the Americas call for more equitable distribution of funds to the Region
Geneva, 22 May 2023 (PAHO/WHO) – Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today approved the WHO Programme budget 2024-2025, which includes a 20% increase in assessed contributions.
The decision, which took place at the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva (21-30 May) will take the WHO global budget to $6,834.2 million, of which the Region of the Americas will receive US$313.7 million – a 1.2% increase from 2022-2023.
“The Americas remains the most unequal region of the world, yet WHO covers a relatively small portion of PAHO’s operational costs,” Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, said.
“It is crucial that we ensure more equitable distribution of WHO funds so that we can continue to meet the urgent health needs of Latin America and the Caribbean.”
During the budgetary discussions, Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) thanked WHO for the consultation and prioritization with countries throughout the budget development process but underscored the need for increased financing for the Americas. Countries urged that this is particularly important given that, historically, less than three-quarters of the approved budget for the Americas has been funded.
“Sufficient and sustainable financing for the Region is key to addressing the health inequities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Barbosa added.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus thanked Member States for the confidence and trust in WHO that the increase represents and reiterated his commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency.
Dr. Tedros highlighted that this is the first time in the Organization’s 75-year history that such a significant increase in assessed contributions has been approved.
The budgetary increase for the financial period 2024-2025 will also enable WHO to support countries of the Americas in accelerating towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the Organization’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW13) “triple billion” targets:
- One billion more people benefiting from universal health coverage
- One billion more people better protected from health emergencies
- One billion more people enjoying better health and well-being
