🔗 Share this article WHO Faces Major Staff Cuts Following US Funding Pullout This global health agency revealed plans to cut its workforce by almost a fourth – amounting to over two thousand positions – by the middle of 2026. Financial Shortfall Triggers Major Restructuring This decision follows following the United States, formerly the organization's largest contributor, withdrew financial support earlier this period. Washington was responsible for about 18% of the agency's overall funding, causing a significant financial gap. Projected Workforce Cuts According to organizational projections, the staff will decrease from nine thousand four hundred and one positions in January 2025 to approximately seven thousand and thirty by mid-2026. This reduction of 2,371 posts comprises staff reductions, retirements, and natural attrition. "The past year has been one of the most difficult in WHO's existence, as we undertook a painful but essential journey of prioritization and realignment," stated the organization's leader. Budget Gap Remains This Switzerland-headquartered organization currently confronts a funding shortfall of $1.06bn for the 2026-2027 period, amounting to almost a fourth of its required funding. The figure represents an improvement from a prior projected shortfall of $1.7bn reported in spring. Not Included Funding These budget projections do not include an additional 1.1 billion dollars in potential contributions from current negotiations with various contributors. A spokesperson for the agency noted that the current unfunded portion of the budget is actually lower than in previous periods, attributing this to several reasons: A smaller overall budget size Initiation of a new fundraising effort An increase in member states' mandatory contributions This restructuring initiative is currently approaching its end, allowing the agency to progress with a renewed operational model.