Written question asked by Esther McVey (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 April 2026. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

World Health Organization: Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the increasing percentage of funding for the World Health Organization coming from (a) specified and (b) non-State donor funding.

Answer: The UK recognises the importance of flexible and predictable funding for the World Health Organization (WHO). That is why we prioritise fully flexible funding to ensure the organisation's ability to set independent priorities and respond to emerging global health risks. While specified and non State funding remains part of WHO's financing mix, its reporting shows that the share of flexible funding has increased in recent years. The UK continues to advocate for a balanced funding model to strengthen WHO's effectiveness, independence, and accountability. Member States have also agreed reforms to assessed contributions to increase the amount of flexible funding available.

Secondary information