By Oluwakemi Kindness
The World Health Organization (WHO) has opened a major global health ministers’ meeting in Geneva amid rising concern over deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks, as well as funding cuts and geopolitical tensions affecting global health systems.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the world is facing “difficult, dangerous, and divisive times,” pointing to conflicts, economic instability, climate change, and declining international aid.
The meeting comes as health officials monitor a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship and a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also raised concern, saying global health challenges are becoming more severe due to reduced funding and widening inequalities.
He noted that cuts to international health aid have disrupted health systems and weakened global response capacity.
The WHO itself is facing financial pressure, with reports indicating a budget reduction of about 21 percent, alongside job cuts and scaled-down programmes.
Despite these challenges, officials say the organisation has managed to secure funding for ongoing operations, although the situation remains fragile.
The assembly is also taking place amid uncertainty over announced withdrawals by the United States and Argentina from the organisation.
Former US President Donald Trump had previously issued a notice of withdrawal, while Argentina later followed, though the WHO has not formally confirmed their exit.
Member states are expected to discuss broader reforms to the global health system, aimed at improving coordination and reducing duplication among international health agencies.
The summit, which runs through the week, will also address ongoing conflicts and health crises in regions including Ukraine, Iran, and the Palestinian territories.
Officials say discussions may also shape preparations for the election of the next WHO Director-General, as the nomination process approaches.
