WHO Faces Major Staff Cuts Following United States Financial Pullout
This international public health agency disclosed intentions to cut its workforce by nearly a fourth – totaling more than 2,000 jobs – before the middle of 2026.
Financial Crisis Triggers Substantial Restructuring
This decision follows following the US, previously the organization's largest contributor, pulled out funding previously this year.
The US government had been responsible for approximately 18% of the agency's total funding, creating a significant budgetary shortfall.
Projected Workforce Cuts
Based on internal projections, the workforce is expected to drop from nine thousand four hundred and one positions in early 2025 to approximately 7,030 by mid-2026.
This reduction of 2,371 posts comprises staff reductions, employees retiring, and natural departures.
"The past year has been one of the most difficult in our history, while we have navigated a challenging but essential journey of prioritization and restructuring," commented the organization's leader.
Budget Gap Remains
This Geneva-based body currently faces a budget gap of $1.06bn for the upcoming period, amounting to almost a quarter of its total budget.
The amount represents an reduction from a previous projected shortfall of 1.7 billion dollars noted in May.
Excluded Finances
These budget projections do not include an additional 1.1 billion dollars in expected contributions from current discussions with multiple contributors.
The spokesperson for the agency noted that the current unsecured part of the budget is actually smaller than in previous years, crediting this to multiple factors:
- Reduced overall budget size
- The launch of a fresh fundraising campaign
- An increase in member states' mandatory fees
The realignment process is now approaching its completion, allowing the agency to move forward with a reshaped operational model.