World Health Organization Faces Major Staff Cuts Following US Funding Withdrawal
The international public health agency disclosed intentions to reduce its workforce by nearly a quarter – amounting to more than two thousand positions – by the middle of 2026.
Financial Crisis Triggers Major Reorganization
The decision follows following the United States, formerly the organization's biggest contributor, pulled out financial support earlier this period.
The US government was contributing approximately 18% of the organization's overall funding, creating a significant financial shortfall.
Expected Staff Cuts
According to internal estimates, the staff will decrease from 9,401 posts in January 2025 to approximately 7,030 by mid-2026.
This decrease of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one positions comprises staff reductions, retirements, and regular attrition.
"The past year was among the most difficult in our existence, while we undertook a challenging but necessary process of prioritization and realignment," commented the agency's leader.
Financial Shortfall Remains
The Geneva-based body now faces a funding shortfall of 1.06 billion dollars for the upcoming biennium, representing nearly a quarter of its required funding.
This amount marks an improvement from a prior projected shortfall of 1.7 billion dollars reported in May.
Not Included Finances
The budget calculations exclude an additional $1.1bn in potential contributions from current discussions with various donors.
The representative for the organization stated that the present unsecured part of the biennial budget is actually smaller than in previous years, crediting this to several reasons:
- Reduced total budget
- The launch of a new fundraising effort
- Higher in member states' required fees
This realignment initiative is now approaching its completion, paving the way for the organization to move forward with a renewed operational model.
