The United Nations' health agency, the World Health Organization (WHO) is one of the most influential and respected international organizations in global health -- and the subject of criticism for aspects of its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the Trump administration's decision to halt U.S. funding to the WHO provoked a global outcry. Upon entering office, President Biden swiftly reinstated funding to the WHO. How is the WHO normally funded? How are different countries' contributions determined? And what is the role of non-governmental organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation? Professor Ilona Kickbusch, founder of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, explains.
This interview was recorded in 2020.
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