WHO to Lose Nearly 2,000 Jobs—Nearly a Quarter of Its Workforce—Due to U.S. Funding Withdrawal
WHO Workforce to Shrink Amid Major Reforms
The World Health Organization (WHO) plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 25%, translating to over 2,000 jobs, as it embarks on significant reforms following the withdrawal of its primary donor, the United States.
Impact of U.S. Withdrawal on WHO Operations
The Trump administration initiated the U.S. departure from the WHO in January 2021, significantly impacting the agency’s operations and political strategy. This decision has forced the organization to scale back its activities and halve its management team, raising concerns about democracy in America and its commitments to global health.
As the largest financial backer of the UN health agency, providing approximately 18% of its overall funding, the U.S. withdrawal has led to a major recalibration of WHO’s ongoing projects and future missions.
Projected Workforce Reductions
By mid-2026, the WHO anticipates a reduction of 2,371 positions, diminishing its workforce from 9,401 to around 7,030. This reduction will be influenced by job cuts, retirements, and voluntary departures, as discussed in a recent brief aimed at member states.
Current estimates do not account for many temporary staff or consultants who have reportedly faced layoffs. A WHO spokesperson confirmed these anticipated departures, stating the workforce could contract by as much as 22%, depending on the filling of vacant posts.
Challenges and Future Directions
The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledged the challenges faced over the past year, calling it one of the most difficult periods in the organization’s history. In a message to staff, he emphasized the necessity of this painful yet crucial process meant to prioritize and realign WHO’s objectives and resources.
“We are now preparing to move forward with our reshaped and renewed Organization,” Ghebreyesus stated, indicating a commitment to maintain effectiveness despite the ongoing challenges in global health governance.
Budgetary Concerns and Financial Planning
Compounding these workforce challenges, the WHO is grappling with a projected budget deficit of $1.06 billion for 2026-2027, representing almost a quarter of its total funding requirements. This budget shortfall has improved slightly from an estimated $1.7 billion gap identified earlier this year.
While $1.1 billion in expected funding is still pending due to deals in various negotiation stages, WHO officials express optimism about the current budget situation. This optimism stems from the organization’s smaller funding needs, the launch of a new fundraising campaign, and an increase in mandatory fees from member states, aiming to bolster civic engagement and participation in global health initiatives.
