Despite the withdrawal of the US and Argentina from the World Health Organization (WHO), the agency remains committed to its global health mandate.

Minister of State in Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, Michael Joseph, said measures are being implemented to address the funding shortfall and maintain the WHO’s momentum.

Joseph, who recently attended the 78th World Health Assembly, noted a renewed commitment to international cooperation.

“There’s a growing understanding among countries that global health cannot be compromised by geopolitics,” he said.

He added that several high-income countries have pledged increased financial support to offset the loss of US contributions. Notably, China has committed US$500 million to the WHO over the next three years—US$150 million more than the previous US contribution of US$300 million.