WHO Faces Significant Workforce Cuts After US Funding Pullout
The global health agency revealed intentions to reduce its staff by nearly a quarter – amounting to over 2,000 jobs – before mid-2026.
Funding Shortfall Prompts Substantial Restructuring
The decision follows after the United States, previously the agency's biggest donor, pulled out funding earlier this period.
Washington was responsible for about 18% of the organization's overall funding, causing a significant financial gap.
Expected Workforce Cuts
Based on internal estimates, the workforce is expected to drop from 9,401 positions in January 2025 to approximately seven thousand and thirty by mid-2026.
This decrease of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one positions comprises job cuts, employees retiring, and regular departures.
"This year was one of the most difficult in our history, as we have navigated a painful but necessary process of prioritisation and restructuring," stated the organization's director-general.
Budget Gap Remains
This Switzerland-headquartered organization now confronts a budget shortfall of 1.06 billion dollars for the 2026-2027 biennium, representing nearly a quarter of its required funding.
The figure marks an improvement from a prior projected gap of 1.7 billion dollars reported in spring.
Not Included Finances
These budget projections exclude a further $1.1bn in potential funding from current negotiations with various donors.
The spokesperson for the organization noted that the current unsecured part of the biennial budget is actually smaller than in previous years, attributing this to several factors:
- A smaller overall budget
- The launch of a fresh fundraising effort
- An increase in member states' required contributions
This restructuring process is currently nearing its completion, paving the way for the agency to move forward with a reshaped structure.
