WHO creates foundation to tap into new sources of cash

DONATIONS from members of the public are being accepted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the first time in its 72-year history.

Money is also being welcomed from corporations as the organisation launches a foundation arm, just weeks after the US threatened to permanently halt funding to the organisation.

President Donald Trump has been relentless in his criticism of the WHO and threatened to redirect the US’S $400 million (£325 million) contribution into other health organisations if it did not “commit to major substantive improvements”.

However, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, said the new foundation will broaden the body’s donor base. “This is a historic step. The foundation will establish funding from sources we haven’t tapped before,” he said.

Previously the body was financed by contributions from 194 member states and a number of non-governmental foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation − its second biggest donor.

About 80 per cent of these donations come with pre-existing arrangements, often earmarking funds for specific projects, which restrict the WHO’S ability to respond to emergencies and invest in preventative schemes.

The foundation, which has been two years in the making, will be led by Prof Thomas Zeltner, head of the Swiss national health authority, It has already received about £175 million from more than 400,000 individuals and firms – including £45million from the One World: Together At Home virtual gig last month.