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WHO reports most cases in one day, discusses funding plans - COVID-19 briefing
May 21, 2020
The World Health Organization held a media briefing on 20 May to update the public on the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The agency shared plans for more flexible funding sources at Wednesday's regular press briefing.
World Health Organization (WHO) officials discussed plans for more flexible funding as the COVID-19 crisis hit a new milestone for cases reported in a single day and global infections edged toward 5 million.
Funding to the agency has been a hot topic as President Trump has threatened to permanently freeze US funding to the WHO. The US has historically been the WHO's largest donor , contributing up to 14% of the agency's financing in some years.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that the WHO had been re-evaluating its funding even before the COVID-19 pandemic, both to increase the amount of funding and the types of the funding at its disposal.
The WHO’s budget, the Director-General explained, is relatively small compared to its scope and impact. Its annual budget, he said, was similar to that of a medium-sized hospital in the developed world.
To best leverage these funds, flexibility will be key. The agency's funding comprises contributions from member states, which are flexible, and voluntary contributions earmarked for fixed purposes.
Whereas 40 years ago, 80% of the funding was flexible and could be used at the organization’s discretion, now that share has shrunk to 20%, he said.
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