The World Health Organisation (WHO) has unveiled its first-ever crowdfunding initiative, “One Dollar, One World,” in a bid to address global health inequities exacerbated by financial constraints, following the withdrawal of key funding by the United States.
Announcing the initiative on Wednesday, WHO stated that the campaign, which started as a grassroots effort by a staff member, Tania Cernuschi, has evolved into a global movement aimed at advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through collective contributions.
The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the initiative as a demonstration of solidarity, underscoring its potential to drive change through widespread participation.
“The power of the ‘One Dollar, One World’ movement comes from the people. It shows that in times of crisis, people everywhere can unite and commit to protecting and promoting the health of others,” Ghebreyesus said.
To maximise its impact, WHO said it is collaborating with the WHO Foundation, leveraging its 150 country offices and the foundation’s global reach to strengthen engagement and expand the campaign’s reach.
According to the global health body, this marks the first time it is incorporating crowdfunding as part of its funding diversification strategy, which aims to foster grassroots involvement in health interventions worldwide.
Providing insight into the campaign’s origins, WHO highlighted that Ms. Cernuschi’s vision was to empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to global health through small but impactful donations.
Since its launch in early 2025, nearly 5,000 individuals from 140 countries have joined the movement, underscoring a shared commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access.
“This campaign started with one person, but it belongs to all of us. It’s proof that individuals can make a difference and that together, we are stronger,” Cernuschi stated.
WHO added that funds raised through the campaign, managed by the WHO Foundation, would be directed towards health initiatives in underserved communities, ensuring that resources are channeled to those most in need.
Aligning with WHO’s commitment to equity, the organisation maintained that the initiative supports efforts to strengthen country-level health systems, expand access to life-saving resources, and address pressing global health challenges, including pandemics and humanitarian crises.
The launch of the crowdfunding campaign comes in the wake of financial shortfalls following the decision of the United States to withdraw its funding support to WHO, a move that has drawn criticism from global health experts and stakeholders.
Pharmanewsonline reports that in January, US President Donald Trump signed executive orders, including one that formalised the country’s withdrawal from WHO, citing concerns over governance and political influence within the organisation.
“The organisation’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states is the reason for US withdrawal,” Trump stated.
In response, WHO called for continued engagement with the US, emphasising the importance of maintaining a longstanding partnership critical to global health and security.
Meanwhile, the organisation announced cost-cutting measures, including the review of some health programmes, reduction of travel expenses, and a recruitment freeze, except in essential areas.
As the ‘One Dollar, One World’ campaign gains traction, WHO expressed optimism that the initiative would galvanise public support, maintaining that collective action remains pivotal in ensuring healthcare access for all.
 has unveiled its first-ever crowdfunding initiative, "One Dollar, One World,"){kind=link}