WHO Confronts Major Workforce Reduction After US Financial Withdrawal
This global health organization has announced plans to cut its staff by almost a fourth – amounting to more than two thousand jobs – by the middle of 2026.
Financial Shortfall Prompts Major Restructuring
The move follows after the United States, formerly the organization's biggest contributor, withdrew financial support previously this year.
Washington was responsible for about 18% of the agency's overall budget, creating a substantial financial shortfall.
Projected Workforce Cuts
Based on organizational projections, the workforce is expected to drop from 9,401 positions in January 2025 to approximately 7,030 by June 2026.
The reduction of 2,371 posts comprises staff reductions, employees retiring, and natural departures.
"This year has been among the most difficult in WHO's existence, while we have navigated a challenging but essential journey of prioritisation and restructuring," commented the agency's leader.
Financial Gap Persists
The Geneva-based body currently faces a funding gap of $1.06bn for the upcoming period, representing nearly a quarter of its required budget.
This amount marks an improvement from a prior estimated gap of $1.7bn reported in spring.
Excluded Funding
The financial projections exclude an additional $1.1bn in expected contributions from current discussions with various donors.
A representative for the agency stated that the present unfunded part of the biennial budget is in fact smaller than in previous periods, attributing this to several reasons:
- A smaller overall budget size
- Initiation of a fresh fundraising effort
- Higher in member states' mandatory contributions
The restructuring process is now nearing its completion, allowing the organization to progress with a reshaped operational model.
