WHO Faces Major Workforce Cuts After US Funding Pullout
The international public health organization revealed intentions to reduce its staff by almost a quarter – totaling more than two thousand positions – by the middle of 2026.
Financial Crisis Triggers Major Restructuring
This move follows following the US, formerly the organization's biggest donor, withdrew funding earlier this period.
The US government had been responsible for approximately 18% of the organization's overall funding, creating a substantial budgetary gap.
Projected Workforce Reductions
Based on internal estimates, the workforce will decrease from nine thousand four hundred and one posts in January 2025 to approximately 7,030 by June 2026.
This decrease of 2,371 posts comprises staff reductions, employees retiring, and natural departures.
"This year was one of the toughest in WHO's existence, as we undertook a painful but essential journey of prioritisation and realignment," commented the agency's director-general.
Budget Shortfall Remains
The Switzerland-headquartered organization now faces a budget gap of 1.06 billion dollars for the 2026-2027 biennium, representing nearly a quarter of its required budget.
This amount marks an reduction from a previous estimated gap of $1.7bn reported in spring.
Excluded Finances
These budget projections do not include an additional 1.1 billion dollars in potential funding from ongoing discussions with various contributors.
A spokesperson for the organization stated that the current unsecured portion of the budget is in fact smaller than in previous periods, attributing this to multiple reasons:
- Reduced overall budget
- Initiation of a fresh donor outreach effort
- Higher in participating countries' required fees
The realignment initiative is currently approaching its completion, allowing the organization to progress with a renewed operational model.
