World Health Organization Faces Major Workforce Cuts Following US Funding Withdrawal
The global public health organization has announced plans to cut its workforce by nearly a fourth – totaling more than two thousand jobs – before mid-2026.
Funding Shortfall Prompts Major Restructuring
This move comes after the US, formerly the organization's largest contributor, pulled out financial support previously this period.
The US government was contributing about 18% of the organization's overall budget, creating a significant budgetary gap.
Expected Workforce Cuts
Based on internal projections, the workforce will decrease from nine thousand four hundred and one posts in early 2025 to approximately 7,030 by mid-2026.
This decrease of 2,371 positions comprises staff reductions, retirements, and natural departures.
"This year has been one of the most difficult in our history, as we undertook a painful but necessary journey of prioritisation and realignment," commented the organization's leader.
Financial Gap Persists
The Geneva-based body now confronts a funding gap of 1.06 billion dollars for the 2026-2027 biennium, amounting to nearly a fourth of its total funding.
The figure marks an reduction from a previous estimated gap of 1.7 billion dollars reported in spring.
Not Included Finances
These budget projections exclude a further $1.1bn in potential contributions from current discussions with multiple donors.
A spokesperson for the organization stated that the current unfunded part of the biennial budget is actually lower than in earlier periods, attributing this to several reasons:
- A smaller overall budget size
- The launch of a new fundraising effort
- An increase in member states' mandatory contributions
This restructuring process is currently approaching its completion, paving the way for the organization to progress with a reshaped structure.
