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WHO Approves Global Pandemic Treaty, Warns People in 70+ Countries Not Getting Medical Care

HeadlineMay 20, 2025

The World Health Organization is warning people in dozens of countries are going without needed medical care due to global funding cuts.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “In at least 70 countries, patients are missing out on treatments, health facilities have closed, health workers have lost their jobs, and people face increased out-of-pocket health spending.”

That was WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who warned his agency is facing a $600 million gap in its annual budget, with more steep cuts ahead as the U.S. withdraws support for global health programs and prepares to exit the organization.

Separately, the WHO voted in favor of a major new global treaty to improve pandemic preparedness and vaccine access. The U.S. was not part of those talks, since it decided to withdraw from the WHO. Parts of the treaty still need to be agreed upon before it can be ratified.

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