🔗 Share this article WHO Faces Major Staff Cuts After United States Funding Withdrawal The global public health organization revealed plans to reduce its workforce by almost a fourth – totaling more than 2,000 positions – by the middle of 2026. Funding Shortfall Triggers Major Restructuring The decision follows after the United States, previously the organization's largest donor, pulled out financial support earlier this year. The US government was responsible for about 18% of the organization's total funding, causing a significant budgetary shortfall. Expected Staff Cuts According to organizational estimates, the workforce is expected to drop from nine thousand four hundred and one positions in January 2025 to around 7,030 by mid-2026. This reduction of 2,371 posts includes staff reductions, retirements, and natural departures. "The past year has been among the toughest in our existence, as we have navigated a painful but essential journey of prioritisation and realignment," commented the agency's leader. Budget Gap Persists The Switzerland-headquartered organization now faces a budget shortfall of 1.06 billion dollars for the upcoming biennium, amounting to nearly a quarter of its required funding. This figure marks an improvement from a previous projected shortfall of 1.7 billion dollars noted in May. Excluded Funding These financial projections do not include an additional $1.1bn in potential contributions from current discussions with multiple contributors. A spokesperson for the agency noted that the current unsecured part of the biennial budget is actually smaller than in earlier years, crediting this to several factors: A smaller total budget size Initiation of a new donor outreach effort Higher in member states' required contributions This restructuring process is currently nearing its end, allowing the organization to progress with a reshaped structure.