WHO’s Plan to Cut Jobs and Reduce Budget by 20%, Revealed in Memo
World Health Organization to Reduce Staff Numbers and Scale of Work Due to Funding Cuts
In response to budget cuts resulting from the impact of US funding reductions, the World Health Organization (WHO) is proposing to reduce staff numbers and scale of work, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters.
The US, which is the largest financial contributor to the WHO, withdrew its funding after President Donald Trump’s administration accused the global health agency of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises. This decision has created a significant financial gap for the WHO, as other member states have also reduced their development spending.
Facing a nearly $600 million income gap this year, the WHO has put forth a proposal to slash its budget for 2026-27 by 21%, from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion. This reduction will impact jobs at all levels and regions within the organization, with a focus on senior leadership positions at the headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The memo signed by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes the need to prioritize work and resources in light of the funding cuts. The organization is working to secure additional funding from countries, private donors, and philanthropists to mitigate the impact of the budget reductions.
As the WHO grapples with the consequences of reduced funding, staff members are facing uncertain job prospects with a one-year limit on contracts and potential workforce reductions. The organization is expected to finalize its decisions on resource allocation by the end of April.
Despite these challenges, the WHO remains committed to its mission of promoting global health and addressing public health crises, despite the obstacles posed by financial constraints.
