Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that as global military spending continue to rise, investment in global health is lagging dangerously behind. In a video message and social media post, the WHO chief called for a shift in priorities, urging nations to invest in saving lives rather than escalating conflicts, reminding the world that peace, is the best medicine.

He said, global military spending reached a record 2.7 trillion dollars in 2024. However, the spending on global health initiatives has declined significantly. Mr Ghebreyesus said, for an organisation working on the ground in 150 countries with a vast mission and mandate that member states have given us, 4.2 billion dollars for two years or 2.1 billion dollars a year is not ambitious. It’s extremely modest. 2.1 billion dollars is the equivalent of global military expenditure every eight hours.

His remarks come amid developments such as US President Donald Trump on Wednesday saying that after prolonged negotiations with senators, congressmen, secretaries and other political representatives, the 2027 military budget should be increased to 1.5 trillion dollars, from the current 1 trillion dollars. President Trump said, this will allow the US to build a dream military and keep America safe and secure.