Countries must pay more towards WHO: Indonesian candidate
The World Health Organization should focus on reprioritising its spending rather than chasing replacement funding, said Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
Indonesia's Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who is running for the World Health Organization's top position, has advocated for higher mandatory contributions from countries to address the budget cut caused by the US withdrawal. During an interview with AFP, Sadikin emphasized that the WHO should prioritize its spending, focusing on fewer projects and reevaluating its functions.
He suggested that the priority should be within the organization and not from external sources. Sadikin argued that countries should contribute at least 50 per cent of the total budget, instead of the current 20-30 per cent, and that the additional amount would not be overwhelming. He also pointed out that the US's departure from the WHO was not a significant setback for the organization, and that countries not part of the agency would face disadvantages in global health emergencies.
Sadikin further proposed the adoption of a global pandemic treaty and a fund to ensure equal access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics during future pandemics.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Countries must pay more towards WHO: Indonesian candidate thejakartapost.com
