World Health Organization (WHO) is the premier international authority on public health established in 1948. Recent US withdrawal comes with challenges to its credibility & allege biased behaviour.

Causes of capacity

1. Inadequate funding - relies majorly on voluntary contributions with US being biggest. With their withdrawal, ~15-31 shortfall in finch expected.

2. Limited enforcement power - laws any binding force on member nations. eg. during covid, it could only recommend travel bans & advisories.

3. Kasle of viable alternatives to US funding.

4. Due to insufficient funding, public health interventions would see butterfly effect.

1. US allegations of biased behaviour regarding China evidenced in delayed release of data.

2. This could lead to decline in public trust in institution.

3. This organic perception could further cut funding.

Way forward

by Transparent decision making - establish independent panels.

by Funding reforms: shift to towards mandatory, limited contributions.

by Legal mandate during emergencies.

by Strengthen cooperation.

For WHO to regain its capacity & credibility, it must insulate itself from geopolitics.