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Health Minister Nadda: US Exit from WHO Won’t Impact India’s Health Initiatives

Speaking at a press conference on the progress of the National Health Mission (NHM) over the past decade, Nadda emphasized that India remains independent in its healthcare policies and execution. “Our projects and programs will continue as planned. When it comes to health, we are not dependent on anyone,” he said.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Jan 29, 2025

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Union Health Minister J P Nadda stated on Tuesday that the United States’ decision to exit the World Health Organization (WHO) will not affect India’s ongoing health programs in partnership with the global agency.

Speaking at a press conference on the progress of the National Health Mission (NHM) over the past decade, Nadda emphasized that India remains independent in its healthcare policies and execution. “Our projects and programs will continue as planned. When it comes to health, we are not dependent on anyone,” he said. He further highlighted that India collaborates with WHO on multiple programs, and no disruption is expected. “India is one of the major contributors to WHO, and our partnerships will remain intact,” Nadda noted.

Key Achievements Under NHM

Listing major milestones under NHM since 2014, Nadda pointed to the launch of new initiatives such as the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission and the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP). He also underscored the expansion of existing initiatives like the National TB Elimination Programme and Mission Indradhanush. He stated that the central government’s funding for NHM has increased by 185% over the last decade. “Healthcare has always been a priority, and financial support for this sector has never been an issue,” Nadda remarked, ahead of the upcoming Union Budget announcement.

Shift Towards Comprehensive Healthcare

Highlighting a transformation in healthcare delivery, Nadda said India is moving from a curative approach to a comprehensive model that includes preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.

The reach of health services has expanded significantly:

• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) recorded an increase in patient visits from 13.49 crore in 2019-20 to 121.03 crore in 2023-24.

• Teleconsultations rose from 26 lakh to 11.83 crore in the same period. 

• The free drugs and diagnostics initiative has been strengthened, with mandatory public display of available medicines.

• The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme benefited over 4.53 lakh patients in FY 2023-24.

Upcoming HPV Vaccine Rollout

Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava announced that the government is working on introducing the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer as a pilot project in the coming months. “The modalities and strategies are being finalized,” she stated.

WHO’s Role and Global Funding Trends

The WHO, established in 1948 as a specialized UN agency, leads global health initiatives and collaborates with 194 member nations. It is responsible for setting international health standards, managing disease outbreaks, and strengthening healthcare systems worldwide. WHO’s funding structure consists of assessed contributions (20%) from member states and voluntary contributions (80%) from governments, foundations, and private donors.

Over the years, voluntary contributions have become the primary funding source, rising from 54% in 1990 to 84% in the 2024-25 budget.

The United States has historically been WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing a mix of assessed and voluntary funds. In the 2024-25 budget cycle, the US was expected to contribute $958 million, covering nearly 15% of WHO’s $6.5 billion budget. Following the withdrawal, WHO expressed concern, stating that it plays a critical role in global health security, including disease prevention and emergency response.

WHO’s Top Donors in 2024-25

WHO's top contributors include:

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: $689 million

• Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance: $500 million

• European Commission: $412 million

• World Bank: $268 million

• Germany: $324 million

• United Kingdom: $215 million

• Canada: $141 million

• European Investment Bank: $119 million

In response to funding challenges, WHO member states have agreed to reforms aimed at increasing assessed contributions to 50% of the budget by 2030. With the US exit, global health experts are monitoring the potential impact on WHO’s operations and funding stability. However, India says it is committed to its healthcare initiatives and its collaborations with the global health body.