The World Health Organisation, WHO, on Monday raised the alarm that shrinking global health funding is colliding with rising disease threats and conflict, creating dangerous vulnerabilities just as countries finalise new agreements meant to prevent the next pandemic. Opening the 158th session of the WHO Executive Board, Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the world is facing a defining moment for global health security. Sudden and severe cuts to bilateral aid have also caused huge disruptions to health systems and services in many countries,” Tedros disclosed. “4.6 billion people still lack access to essential health services, and 2.1 billion people face financial hardship because of health costs. “The pandemic taught all of us many lessons especially that global threats demand a global response.

Source: The Guardian February 02, 2026 23:39 UTC