Berlin, Apr. 2, (dpa/GNA) – Germany plans to support the World Health Organization (WHO) with an additional €2 million ($2.16 million) following the US withdrawal from the international organization, acting Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said in Berlin on Wednesday.
The administration of US President Donald Trump cancelled the country’s membership after taking office in January. The withdrawal will take effect in January 2026.
In view of the blow to the WHO’s budget, the German contribution is a drop in the ocean.
The US was by far the largest donor. In 2024, it financed around 18% of the budget of around $3.4 billion. Due to the expected loss and cuts in development aid in other countries, the WHO is trying to save around 20%.
“The United States‘ withdrawal from the WHO jeopardizes not only financial stability but also multilateral cooperation in the global health architecture,” Lauterbach said.
“The World Health Organization is indispensable for global health monitoring, pandemic prevention, disease control and equitable access to health care,” he added.