Following the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO), a staff member, Tania Cernuschi, has initiated a global fundraiser to address the funding shortfall.
Tania Cernuschi, a 46-year-old development economist at the WHO, introduced the “One Dollar, One World” campaign in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to sever ties with the global health body upon reassuming office on January 20.
The US had previously contributed $1.3 billion , approximately 16% of the WHO’s budget for the 2022-2023 period.
Cernuschi’s initiative, hosted on the WHO Foundation’s website, seeks to raise $1 billion by encouraging individuals to contribute at least $1.
“I was deeply unsettled by the news,” she explained. “I thought of the campaign, sought approval, and when no one stopped me, I went ahead.”
Since its launch, the campaign has attracted over 3,000 donors globally.
As of Wednesday afternoon, contributions had reached approximately $104,000, with some donors pledging as much as $500. A significant $20,000 donation is also expected soon.
WHO Foundation CEO Anil Soni emphasised that individual giving is crucial, citing UNICEF and UNHCR’s reliance on public donations.
Cernuschi, with experience at UNICEF and Gavi, stressed that WHO’s impact extends beyond poorer nations.
She called for more agility and efficiency within the organisation, highlighting its ability to save lives globally on a limited budget.
