China pledges $500 million to WHO as US funding declines

China announced a $500 million contribution to the WHO over five years, stepping in as the UN agency faces a funding shortfall after the U.S. cut support.

China will provide an additional $500 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong announced at the World Health Assembly in Geneva. The pledge comes as the UN health agency grapples with a budget crisis following the expected withdrawal of U.S. funding under the Trump administration.

"The world is now facing the impacts of unilateralism and power politics bringing major challenges to global health security," Liu said. "Multilateralism is a sure pass to addressing difficulties."

China’s commitment is expected to elevate it to the position of the WHO’s top state donor, replacing the United States, which has historically been the largest single contributor.

In response to its financial difficulties, the WHO has proposed a 21% reduction in its 2026–2027 budget, lowering it to $4.2 billion. The World Health Assembly is set to approve a new funding model that includes a 20% increase in mandatory membership fees from countries.

It remains unclear whether China's $500 million pledge includes its increased assessed contribution or is in addition to it. Nonetheless, the announcement was welcomed as a stabilizing gesture at a time when the WHO is seeking to preserve core programs in global health.

The WHO has emphasized the importance of predictable, long-term funding to maintain readiness for health emergencies and support health systems worldwide. China's new commitment is expected to play a critical role in filling the gap left by reduced U.S. contributions.

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