China's $500M pledge makes it WHO's top donor

China will become the World Health Organization's (WHO) largest donor, pledging $500 million after the United States' withdrawal. This shift follows the US decision to leave the organization. Other countries, including Switzerland and Qatar, also pledged over $170 million to the WHO to help fill the financial gap left by the US. China's contribution includes increased fees and voluntary donations. The WHO is also cutting its budget and management positions. The US, which previously funded 18% of the WHO's budget, has been critical of the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO also approved a pandemic agreement to improve global preparedness for future outbreaks.