WHO Faces Significant Workforce Cuts Following US Financial Withdrawal
This international public health agency disclosed plans to reduce its workforce by nearly a fourth – totaling over 2,000 jobs – by mid-2026.
Funding Shortfall Triggers Major Reorganization
This decision follows following the US, previously the agency's largest contributor, pulled out funding earlier this period.
The US government was responsible for about 18% of the organization's total budget, causing a substantial budgetary shortfall.
Expected Workforce Cuts
Based on organizational projections, the workforce will decrease from 9,401 posts in January 2025 to approximately seven thousand and thirty by June 2026.
This reduction of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one posts comprises job cuts, employees retiring, and natural departures.
"The past year was among the toughest in WHO's history, as we undertook a painful but essential journey of prioritization and realignment," commented the organization's leader.
Budget Gap Persists
This Geneva-based body currently confronts a budget shortfall of 1.06 billion dollars for the upcoming biennium, amounting to nearly a quarter of its total funding.
The amount marks an improvement from a previous projected shortfall of $1.7bn reported in spring.
Not Included Finances
The financial calculations exclude an additional 1.1 billion dollars in potential funding from current discussions with various contributors.
The representative for the organization noted that the current unfunded portion of the budget is actually lower than in previous years, crediting this to several factors:
- A smaller overall budget size
- The launch of a fresh donor outreach effort
- Higher in member states' required fees
This restructuring process is currently approaching its end, allowing the organization to progress with a renewed structure.
