WHO Faces Workforce Shakeup amid U.S. Departure and Financial Adjustments

The World Health Organization plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 25% following the U.S. withdrawal, its primary donor. The WHO aims to navigate financial adjustments and reform by reducing jobs and implementing a budget revision that leaves it with a significant monetary gap for 2026-2027.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) workforce is set to shrink significantly, losing over 2,000 jobs by mid-next year due to budgetary reforms prompted by the U.S. exit, its top donor. The drastic cut coincides with attempts to realign resources effectively following the withdrawal initiated by President Trump's administration.

The WHO, which relies heavily on U.S. funding accounting for 18% of its budget, expects to reduce its workforce from 9,401 in January 2025 to 7,030 by June 2026. This reduction stems from job eliminations, retirements, and resignations, not considering the temporary staff and consultants already laid off, as confirmed by a WHO spokesperson.

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the immense challenges faced by the WHO during this period, acknowledging the arduous prioritization and restructuring needed. Financial projections reveal a $1.06 billion funding shortfall in the upcoming 2026-2027 budget, though efforts to lessen the gap are ongoing through a new fund-raising round and increased member states' fees.

(With inputs from agencies.)