<h1>Global Health Funding Crisis: WHO Seeks $2.1B Budget to Sustain Critical Health Programs and Pandemic Preparedness</h1> The World Health Organization is seeking a USD 2.1 billion annual budget amid significant funding cuts, particularly from the United States. The organization's leader defended the budget by comparing it to military expenditures and tobacco advertising costs. The WHO faces a budget gap and challenges in maintaining its global health mandate. Member countries are expected to discuss raising annual dues and establishing a pandemic treaty to improve future global health response capabilities.