Budget implementation summary

WHO’s biennial Programme budget is based on the principles of transparency, accountability and providing value for money.

Operationalization of the Programme budget 2020-2021

The total approved budget for WHO for 2020–2021 is US$ 5.84 billion, of which 65% is for Base programmes and the remaining 35% is allocated for Polio eradication, Special programmes and Emergency operations and appeals. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic actual activities in 2020 were evenly split between Base programmes and Emergency operations and appeals, which each utilized 42% of total funding, representing not only the Organization’s response to the pandemic but also its delivery of commitments made in the approved Programme budget. The generosity of donors is manifested by their high level of financing of the Organization and especially by financing for the emergency operations segment of work, with close to US$ 3 billion mobilized during a short period to support WHO’s operations across all major offices.

AFRO, Regional Office for Africa; AMRO, Regional Office for the Americas; EMRO, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean; EURO, Regional Office for Europe; SEARO, Regional Office for South-East Asia; WPRO, Regional Office for the Western Pacific; HQ, headquarters.

The current funding and utilization levels for all major offices highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Organization-wide response to it. All Regional offices and headquarters are seeing unprecedented levels of emergency operations while also delivering on the commitments to their Base programmes. The utilization rate of the Base programmes is somewhat lower than expected for this time in the biennium due to the necessity to refocus many Base programme activities and repurpose staff to strengthen the COVID-19 response.

Funding overview of the Programme budget 2020-2021

Despite the approved Programme budget for 2020–2021 being fully financed at the level of budget segments, important underfunded areas remain at the level of outcomes and organizational structures. This is largely due to an insufficient level of sustainable financing, which refers to medium- and long-term financing that is predictable and flexible. Such financing permits a seamless alignment of funding, results and organizational structure. Additional sustainable financing would allow for changes in priorities or focus as needs arise, such as during a pandemic.

Core voluntary contributions 

In 2020, WHO received US$ 53.4 million in Core voluntary contributions, with another US$ 149 million expected in 2021.

Core voluntary contributions represent a vital source of predictable and fully flexible funding which are helping to catalyse delivery of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019–2023). Altogether, 50% of these funds were used to help WHO deliver on Country support plans, 20% for Global Public Health Goods and 30% for Leadership and Research functions.

In 2020, Core voluntary contributions were invested in all WHO Regions and across most technical outcomes.

Outcomes: 1.1  Improved access to quality essential health services; 1.2 Reduced number of people suffering financial hardship; 1.3 Improved access to essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and devices for primary health care; 2.1 Countries prepared for health emergencies; 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented; 2.3 Health emergencies rapidly detected and responded to; 3.1 Determinants of health addressed, 3.2 Risk factors reduced through multisectoral action; 3.3 Healthy settings and Health-in-All Policies promoted; 4.1 Strengthened country capacity in data and innovation; 10.1 Polio eradication and transition plans implemented in partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Thematic contributions

In 2020, WHO received US$ 247 million in thematic funding, with an additional US$ 63 million expected for 2021, which is a considerable increase compared with previous biennia.

Thematic funds are earmarked for global outputs or higher-level results, within which there is considerable flexibility for deployment according to need. Such funds offer a much greater degree of predictability and flexibility than specified voluntary contributions.

In 2020, thematic funds were invested in all global outcomes. The areas that benefited the most from this funding were Universal Health Coverage, Leadership and Data Delivery and Impact.

Outcomes: 1.1  Improved access to quality essential health services; 1.2 Reduced number of people suffering financial hardship; 1.3 Improved access to essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and devices for primary health care; 2.1 Countries prepared for health emergencies; 2.2 Epidemics and pandemics prevented; 2.3 Health emergencies rapidly detected and responded to; 3.1 Determinants of health addressed, 3.2 Risk factors reduced through multisectoral action; 3.3 Healthy settings and Health-in-All Policies promoted; 4.1 Strengthened country capacity in data and innovation; 4.2 Strengthened leadership, governance and advocacy for health; 4.3 Financial, human, and administrative resources managed in an efficient, effective, results-oriented and transparent manner;  10.1 Polio eradication and transition plans implemented in partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative; 13.1 Countries operationally ready to assess and manage identified risks and vulnerabilities; 13.2 Proven prevention strategies for priority pandemic-/epidemic-prone diseases implemented at scale; 13.3 Acute health emergencies rapidly responded to, leveraging relevant national and international capacities.

More details on funding and implementation the Organization's work from the WHO Programme budget portal