WHO Faces Major Workforce Cuts Following United States Financial Withdrawal
This global public health organization revealed plans to cut its staff by almost a quarter – amounting to more than 2,000 jobs – by mid-2026.
Financial Crisis Triggers Major Restructuring
This decision follows after the United States, previously the agency's largest donor, pulled out financial support earlier this period.
The US government was responsible for approximately 18% of the organization's overall funding, causing a substantial budgetary gap.
Expected Staff Cuts
According to organizational projections, the workforce is expected to drop from 9,401 posts in January 2025 to approximately 7,030 by mid-2026.
The reduction of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one posts comprises staff reductions, retirements, and regular departures.
"The past year was one of the most difficult in our history, while we undertook a challenging but essential process of prioritization and restructuring," stated the organization's director-general.
Financial Shortfall Persists
This Switzerland-headquartered body currently faces a budget shortfall of $1.06bn for the upcoming period, representing almost a quarter of its required funding.
The amount represents an reduction from a previous estimated shortfall of 1.7 billion dollars reported in May.
Excluded Finances
The budget projections do not include a further 1.1 billion dollars in expected funding from ongoing negotiations with multiple contributors.
The spokesperson for the organization noted that the present unfunded part of the budget is actually smaller than in previous periods, attributing this to several reasons:
- Reduced total budget size
- Initiation of a new fundraising campaign
- Higher in participating countries' mandatory contributions
The restructuring process is currently approaching its end, allowing the organization to progress with a renewed structure.
