WHO opens annual assembly as UN health agency faces 'existential crisis'
ABC NewsMonday, May 19, 2025 at 9:48:24 AM

The World Health Organization (WHO) kicked off its big annual meeting this week, but it’s not business as usual—the agency is grappling with what some are calling an "existential crisis." After the Trump administration slashed funding and set the U.S. on a path to exit, the WHO is under immense pressure to prove its relevance and secure its future. This gathering of global health leaders could be a turning point for the organization.
What This Means: The WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating international health responses, from pandemics to disease outbreaks. If it’s weakened by funding cuts and political tensions, the ripple effects could hurt global preparedness for future health crises—something nobody can afford right now. This isn’t just bureaucratic drama; it’s about whether the world’s health safety net stays intact.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system